The head of the foundation and Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce, Martha Schultz, therefore demands that the federal government establish a legal right to childcare from the age of one.
In June, Schultz, together with the chambers, the ÖGB and the Federation of Industrialists, pushed for “comprehensive and affordable” childcare places from the first birthday to the age of 14. This supports parental participation in the labor market and promotes child development.
The study shows that the childcare rate for children under three is 66 percent in Denmark and 65 percent in the Netherlands, but only 23 percent in Austria. According to Eco-Austria director Monika Köppl-Turyna, children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds in particular would benefit from early childhood education.
That Schultz now wants a nationwide early childhood education offensive is “annoying” for Neos education spokeswoman Martina Künsberg Sarre. Because this demand “ignored the ÖVP for year and day”. SP family spokeswoman Petra Wimmer hopes that the study will also reach Family Minister Susanne Raab (VP). The SPÖ has been calling for the faster expansion of childcare places for months.
