Parents of CEIP La Garita show their "rejection of the unification of infant classrooms"

Parents of students at CEIP La Garita in Arrieta publicly express their "deep concern and discontent with the recent decision of the Ministry of Education of the Government of the Canary Islands to unify the 3/4 and 4/5 year old classrooms into the same class for the current school year."

According to a statement, "this measure, which has been implemented without prior consultation or consideration of the implications for the pedagogical and emotional development of children, puts at risk the educational quality and well-being of minors." "Children aged 3, 4 and 5 are at significantly different stages of development, which means that their academic, social and emotional needs are also different," they add.

For parents, "unifying both groups in the same classroom could have adverse effects on their learning and comprehensive development. This situation is aggravated by the elimination of two teachers in the center and the lack of support staff for NEAE and TEA students enrolled in these courses."

In addition, they explain that "we also understand that the youngest children, aged 3, could be overwhelmed by activities and demands that, in many cases, are beyond their current capabilities. For their part, 4-year-olds may not receive the necessary stimulus to advance adequately as they are limited by a curriculum that is not adapted to their level."

On the other hand, they consider that "this decision not only compromises the academic development of our children but also ignores the individual differences that are fundamental in early childhood education. Therefore, we make an urgent appeal to the Ministry of Education of the Government of the Canary Islands and local institutions to reconsider this measure and guarantee an adequate education for each age group."

From the group of parents, they request that "the 3, 4 and 5 year old classrooms be kept separate, as is the recommended educational practice, thus ensuring that all children receive the attention and teaching they need for their full development."

Finally, they hope that the educational authorities "seek the best solution to this problem for the benefit of the educational community and our children, trusting that our concerns will be heard and addressed."