STAFF OF CARE INSTITUTIONS FOR CHILDREN UP TO 3 YEARS OLD – EMPLOYMENT, WORKING CONDITIONS, CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS

Building high-quality early childhood education and care systems involves implementing an effective policy aimed at recruiting qualified staff. The work of staff and early childhood education and care specialists is the main factor influencing the quality of the system. Working conditions and employee well-being determine the sector’s ability to attract, keep and retain good candidates (employees and management) and reduce turnover. The article will report the results of empirical research obtained as part of a project on existing standards of care and education for children up to three years of age and access to high-quality and affordable early education and care systems. The presented issues refer to the staff of institutional forms of care in Poland - nurseries, children’s clubs, day carers. Selected issues regarding working conditions and employment in institutional care entities for children up to 3 years of age, real forms of support for care staff and prospects for their professional development will be discussed.