The government has introduced a new bill to improve conditions for childminders, with a substantial increase in pay planned.
The choice of childcare should no longer depend on the parents’ income, once the new law comes into being. To date, parents have had to pay significantly more for childminders, compared to other options such as Maison Relais. Caroline Ruppert, director of the Agence Dageselteren, explained it would help to remunerate additional hours on top of childcare time:
“This would give childminders the opportunity to plan their day properly and manage other administrative and paedogogical tasks alongside childcare. I think this means we are on the right path.”
In addition, the new bill allows for a one-time subsidy of 3,000 euros, which would help a childminder’s daycare centre to establish itself.
The new law will also address a childminder’s skills, such as languages. In order to work as a daycare provider, childminders will have to speak one of the official national languages at a high level, as well as having completed formal education up until 3e, leaving school at around 17. Ruppert said this was necessary in order to tackle administrative paperwork and to assure proper communication with children and parents.
“Requiring the schooling qualification (“niveau 3e”) is good because it will give childminders the skills to work as independents and manage while being self-employed. The same applies to languages. They must be able to write and complete contracts, manage discussions with parents, as well as administrative tasks with finances. These are important conditions to fulfil and the level of language is crucial. Not to mention, they must feel comfortable communicating with their young charges.”
There are currently 450 childminders in Luxembourg. The childcare agency hopes the new law, which is well underway, will progress quickly through the Chamber and encourage more people to join the profession.
