Family, Labor and Social Policy Minister Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk told reporters on Wednesday that the country's childcare law would be revised to grant daycare caregivers the status of public officials and declare April 4 as National Caregivers Day.
Dziemianowicz-Bąk said at a press conference that expanding the childcare system for the youngest is a top priority for her ministry.
She highlighted the importance of boosting the prestige of daycare caregivers through both financial and symbolic incentives, state news agency PAP reported.
The ministry's commitment to this cause was demonstrated by a recent government decision to introduce a program under which caregivers will be provided with a monthly bonus of PLN 1,000 starting in July, Dziemianowicz-Bąk said.
The proposed legislative changes include awarding two extra days of recreational leave for caregivers after five years of service, a measure aimed at improving working conditions and acknowledging their dedicated service.
The designation of April 4 as National Caregivers Day is seen as a symbolic gesture to honor the profession.
On this day, various forms of recognition, such as special bonuses, decorations and medals, are expected to be awarded by officials ranging from government ministers to local government leaders.
Dziemianowicz-Bąk and her deputy Aleksandra Gajewska, who is overseeing the effort, believe these changes will send a clear message to caregivers about their importance and the need for their protection and safety.
This, in turn, directly impacts the safety and well-being of the children in their care, the two officials said.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of a nearly doubled number of daycare centers across the country since 2016, with approximately three-quarters – then as now – being private institutions, according to Statistics Poland, the state-run statistics office.
Despite the growth in childcare facilities, Poland faces declining demographic indicators, with 2023 potentially marking the lowest fertility rate in the country's history.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP