Private preschools protest state handling of compulsory early education

Representatives of the private preschools association are protesting the state’s handing of the expansion of early childhood education, outside the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, private kindergartens will remain closed for the day.

The demands of the private preschool owners relate to the manner in which the state has determined to extend compulsory schooling for children from four-years-old and up, and related legislation.

Protesters arrived with white balloons and carried placards with slogans such as, “We ask for job security”, “Private preschool = Quality”, “Respect to tax payers”, and “No to nationalization of preschools”.

Head of the private preschool association, Laura Heracleous said the private schools require better support and the main demand is for financial assistance to parents who chose to send their child to a private school, as well as for inclusive education.

Parliament is set to meet over the matter with Minister of Education Athena Michaelidou at 9.30am.