Carmel Blank spoke on the subject of early childhood at a conference in the Knesset

A conference initiated by MK Naama Lazimi on the subject of early childhood in Israel was held this month in the Knesset. It was attended by senior figures Mor Dekel, chair of the Israeli Association on behalf of Early Childhood, Hagit Peer, chair of Naamat, and MK Dr. Yifat Sasa Biton, the former Minister of Education. Dr. Carmel Blank, a researcher at the Taub Center, presented new data from a special survey carried out among about 1,000 teachers and managers in early childhood education and care frameworks. The data paint a dismal picture of manpower problems, a continual shortage of workers, and difficulty in hiring staff. Dr. Blank’s presentation led to a large number of responses from the teachers and assistants who were attending the conference. Dr. Blank concluded with the following: “The improvement of working conditions and number of positions is essential for the welfare of the infants, for human capital in Israel, and the future of our children.” MK Lazimi stated that the Taub Center is a top research institute and that its research constitutes an important tool for policy makers.