By Paul Dunlop
KINDERGARTEN teachers can look forward to a pay rise and better working conditions in the new year.
That was the message from Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato after the State Government last week announced a $26 million funding boost.
Teachers at preschools around the Pakenham and Berwick areas had warned of a potential exodus from the profession unless the State Government stopped treating them as ‘lower class citizens’.
Teachers said some were so tired of fighting for recognition they were considering leaving for better paid jobs in the primary system.
Ballooning class sizes, lack of pay parity and a perception that preschool teachers were little more than glorified babysitters were among the concerns that last year saw local kindergartens join a statewide strike to highlight problems of recognition, retention, and resources.
Ms Lobato said the pay rises would mean that the graduate starting salary of kindergarten teachers would be the same as primary school teachers.
“I have been working closely with kindergartens and preschools throughout my electorate and I know how ecstatic the teachers are with the news of this pay parity,” Ms Lobato said.
“Parents have also welcomed the news, as the pay increases for teachers will not affect fees.
“The State Government is paying the full cost of the wage increases.”
Ms Lobato said the new funding agreement, between the State Government, the Australian Education Union and Kindergarten Parents Victoria, would ensure a high standard of services into the future.
“As well as significant pay rises three per cent each year for three years the package delivers a new career classification structure and improved maternity leave conditions,” she said.
“I have had numerous discussions with kindergarten teachers and parents across my electorate this year and have been lobbying hard for improved wages and conditions for this sector.”
Jeanette Bartlett of Beaconsfield Kindergarten said the extra funding was good news but added the State Government had to do something.
“It’s fantastic but kindergarten teachers are still behind primary teachers and it is important that the needs of the sector continue to be recognised,” she said.
“Kindergarten is the vital first step in a child’s education.”
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