© Europics
17. 07. 12. - 15:56
Compulsory kindergarten for non-German speaking tots
State Secretary for Integration Sebastian Kurz is convinced a second compulsory year in kindergarten is the way forward for struggling tots.
The ÖVP politician is hoping for a quick introduction of a second year in nursery for children suffering with speech and language difficulties. He also wants to see the introduction of all-day schooling in urban areas.
Kurz says he is not going against the policies of his party leader Michael Spindelegger as these measures would just be for those families whose children do not get the support needed at home.
The State Secretary believes that success in school is directly linked with language ability.
He said: "There are many children who start school unable to speak German." And he believes a second compulsory year in kindergarten is just around the corner.
He said: "I am convinced that it is coming. Of course I would be happy if it happened in the next couple of years."
Kurz’s proposal has found support from the Green Party. Spokeswoman for families, Daniela Musiol, said "all children should spend two years at nursery".
But opposition has arisen from the BZÖ, whose family spokeswoman Ursula Haubner argues that parents should retain the freedom to choose how their children are cared for.
