The surprising announcement by the SP-affiliated association “Aktion Tagesmütter Oberösterreich” to close its “Kindertagesmütter zuhause” service caused quite a stir in recent days. As reported, 480 children from around 140 families and 117 employees (108 children and nine administrative staff) are affected.
The association justified the announced step with “economic reasons”; unfortunately, a cost-covering continuation is no longer possible with the changed tariff regulations of the state, said Jasmine Chansri, the honorary chairwoman of the association and managing director of Volkshilfe Oberösterreich.
Debate about funding
There was great incomprehension in the education department under Deputy Governor Christine Haberlander (VP) about the incomprehensible hasty action – as well as uncertainty among the families and employees affected.
Since the announcement on July 9, there has been a sense of crisis, but this afternoon a meeting between the state and the club brought a breakthrough. The “comprehensive agreement” was announced in a joint press release.
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During the discussion, the state reiterated that the association’s concerns about the new billing arrangements were being taken seriously and that no properly managed association would be left in the lurch. As long as the relevant proof of performance and justification is available, the association can access the state’s reserved funding. In return, the childminders campaign assured that the childcare offer for children in their own homes would continue at least until the end of the year.
“With the state’s assurance, we can avert the closure of the home childminders sector. We do not have to issue any dismissals and can guarantee the care of the day-care children,” said Chansri. Dismissals or service cuts, if they become necessary from 2025, would only be made in close consultation with the families affected to ensure that no child is left without care.
Education officer Haberlander was also happy about the successful agreement, which brings security to all those affected: “The care of the children is still guaranteed, that is the most important thing.” The audit of the association ordered by the state is continuing despite the agreement.