The first home-working childcare providers, Nathalie and Corinne, have signed their contract of employment. The project, which marks the end of an uncertain situation for such workers, who are in the majority in this sector, was explained on Thursday in Wasmes with the Minister for Children, Alda Greoli, present. It was jointly developed with the ONE (the Office for Births and Children), the Wallonia-Brussels Federation government, the childcare providers and indeed such early years childcare providers themselves.
It has taken around 30 years for home-working childcare providers to finally enjoy employed status. The progress made marks the end of the precarious existence for such childcare providers, being the majority, constituting more than 99% of those working within the sector in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. Henceforth therefore, thanks to the nature of the employment contract, service providers will be able to enjoy a stable income and paid holidays, which ought to strengthen the attractiveness of the occupation going forward.
In practical terms, 200 employed contracts were available to as many early years childcare providers operating and, to date, 650 applications have been recorded. The allocation of places for employed childcare providers will be based around various criteria, in particular the public/private balance and the size of service.
A second aspect, with a closing date of September 30, 2018, concerns individuals who wish to start up in the occupation. There are 200 places within this arm of the profession. Within this framework, all newcomers having the required qualification in childcare, and wishing to become a home childcare provider will automatically enjoy this status. Looking further forwards, 200 additional childcare providers will enjoy employed status in 2019, and their number will increase year on year through to 2025.
The Brussels Times
