The Haría City Council shows its support to the mothers and fathers of the students of the CEIP La Garita, after the decision of the Ministry of Education of the Government of the Canary Islands to unify the classrooms of 3-4 and 4-5 years. According to the parental representatives, this measure has been implemented without prior consultation or consideration of the implications for the pedagogical and emotional development of the children. In addition, they believe that it puts at risk their educational quality and well-being.
The mayor of Haría, Alfredo Villalba, points out that the students of three, four and five years are in significantly different stages of development, which makes their academic, social and emotional needs also different. "Unifying both groups in the same classroom could have adverse effects on their learning and integral development," explains the mayor.
In addition, the mayor adds that the situation is aggravated by the suppression of the support staff that existed until last year due to the high number of NEAE and TEA students enrolled in these courses. "From the City Council, we want to express our support to all mothers and fathers who reject this decision," he concludes.
For her part, the deputy mayor and councilor of Education, Evelia García, points out that the three-year-old students could be overwhelmed by the activities and demands of higher grades. On the other hand, the four-year-olds would be "stuck" for not advancing properly to their level. She also assures that she has contacted those responsible for the Education Area of the Island to find an answer.
The mothers and fathers of the CEIP La Garita consider that this decision not only compromises the academic development of their sons and daughters, but also ignores the individual differences that are fundamental in early childhood education. They also demand that the classrooms be kept separate so that they receive the attention and teaching they need.
In addition, it has enabled a link to sign in disagreement with the measure:
