Wiesbaden (dpa/lhe) – In order to reduce the shortage of staff in Hessian day-care centers, according to a proposal by the municipalities, the facilities should in future rely more on non-skilled workers. A pilot project in Dietzenbach in southern Hesse with everyday helpers who relieve the educators was very successful, said the President of the Hessian Association of Towns and Municipalities (HSGB), Matthias Baass (SPD), on Monday in Wiesbaden. These non-skilled workers would then have to be allowed to be counted in the prescribed personnel key.
According to Baass, 15 to 20 percent of the workforce in a kindergarten could consist of non-skilled workers without jeopardizing the quality of care. The mayor of Viernheim in southern Hesse emphasized that such jobs would lower the barriers to entry for a job as an educator. In the Dietzenbach project, everyday helpers have meanwhile opted for teacher training. The HSGB represents 400 district towns and municipalities as well as more than 120 municipal associations.
In view of the flood disaster in the Ahr valley, the municipalities called for the warning systems to be modernized quickly. This includes the “rapid expansion” of the siren systems as part of the warning mix with radio, television and warning apps on cell phones, explained Johannes Heger from the HSGB management. However, security issues should not be dependent on finances and the same standard must apply throughout Hesse.
With costs of 15,000 euros per mast siren, some municipalities see considerable financial burdens, said Heger. A state funding program can help here.
