Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers play a crucial role in the growth and development of children at the pre-primary level.
Their responsibility is to create an environment that is conducive for children to feel comfortable and secure, and to influence the physical, intellectual and emotional growth of toddlers in a positive manner.
The teachers play an important role in moulding the children for a better future. In Kenya, the county governments are responsible for the employment of ECDE teachers.
The only exception is the registration of teachers, which is the sole responsibility of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
TSC has creates a comprehensive scheme of service for the newly hired ECDE teachers who are posted in public schools. The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) establishes a clear pay scale for ECDE teachers based on their education level and experience.
Unfortunately, most counties have not harmonized the salaries of ECDE teachers, which means that the salary an ECDE teacher earns depends largely on the county’s remuneration formula.
Some counties pay ECDE teachers between Sh.10,000 to Sh.20,000 per month, while others pay less than Sh.10,000.
ECDE teachers with a minimum of a certificate in the field can be hired as Assistant ECDE Teacher III, with a starting salary range between Ksh7,836 and Ksh8,717.
Those who have obtained a diploma in ECDE and have 15 years of experience can earn between Ksh15,224 and Ksh19,064 as a Senior ECDE Teacher I.
The highest job group in ECDE is Job Group R, and ECDE teachers can advance to this level by furthering their education and exhibiting strong leadership skills.
The ongoing reforms in the education sector have made it possible for ECDE teachers to be employed by TSC.
In 2014, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) went to court to protest the actions of the county governments in directly employing ECDE teachers.
After a two-year legal battle, the court ruled in favour of the county governments and ordered TSC to register all ECDE teachers. As a result, ECDE teachers will now be employed on a permanent and pensionable basis.
The salaries of ECDE teachers vary depending on the country’s remuneration formula, and the registration requirements vary depending on the level of education.
By offering competitive salaries and career progression opportunities, the government hopes to attract more qualified and motivated individuals to pursue a career in ECDE and to contribute to the development of the sector.
ECDE teacher academic Requirements
To become an ECDE teacher, one has the option of studying at various colleges and universities offering certificate, diploma, and degree programmes in ECDE.
However, before being admitted, one must fulfil certain prerequisites as specified by each institution.
TSC registration for ECDE teachers is conducted at the county level, and the requirements vary depending on the level of education.
To be registered as an ECDE teacher with a degree, one must have a mean grade of C+ and above.
For a diploma, the mean grade must be C+ for a university diploma and C plain for KCSE and ECDE certificate from the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC).
For those with a certificate, the minimum mean grade required is D (plain) and above at KCSE, with a KNEC proficiency certificate and ECDE certificate from KNEC.
The minimum requirements for those with a CPE/KCPE are a mean grade of D+ and above at KCSE and an ECDE certificate from KNEC.
This initiative by the government to employ ECDE teachers on permanent and pensionable terms will increase the motivation and performance of the teachers, leading to better service delivery in the ECDE sector.