Untrained staff increase in Danish kindergartens

Danish kindergartens and nurseries are seeing an influx of caregivers, yet a significant number are untrained. Unofficial data reported by DR reveals a 41% increase in unqualified aides since 2019, while qualified educators have only increased by 10%. Elisa Rimpler, chairperson of the teachers’ union Bupl, sees this trend as indicating a severe educator shortage and a crisis in professionalism, affecting the quality of early childhood institutions. This has led to ‘revolving door’ institutions struggling to retain qualified staff, creating a downward spiral in quality. As of the new year, laws on minimum staffing ratios have taken effect, with requirements for adult-to-child ratios. Previously, individual institution staffing levels were reported, but now, averages are reported per municipality to reduce bureaucracy and give staff more time with children.