Agenda Profile: Heljo Pikhof

First Reading of the Draft Basic Education Act (419 SE)

2024-05-14

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

Political Position
The political focus is heavily centered on supporting the draft law concerning early childhood education, underscoring its long-awaited status and necessity for guaranteeing quality education. This involves presenting a value-based stance that emphasizes the critical importance of early childhood development and the need to ensure accessible preschool education as a means of leveling social inequality. A crucial political goal is raising kindergarten teachers' salaries to parity with school teachers, thereby supporting the gradual increase of state participation in this field.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speakers demonstrate detailed knowledge of the provisions of the Basic Education Act, including the integration of childcare into the education system and qualification requirements. Their expertise is particularly strong in the field of supporting early development, emphasizing the need for mandatory assessment by special education teachers and speech therapists, and challenging the exceptions included in the draft bill. Specific data is used concerning kindergarten teachers' salary support (15–16 million euros) and the minimum salary (90% of a school teacher's salary).

4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is predominantly formal and supportive, particularly in the longer speech, which employs optimistic and value-based rhetoric, stressing the importance of child development and the valuation of teachers. Both logical arguments (such as legal amendments) and emotional appeals (like the pressure of kindergarten teachers' work and their love for children) are utilized. Short interruptions are direct, demanding specific clarifications or challenging the draft bill's phrasing regarding specialist competence.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity shows active participation in the first reading of the bill, presenting both longer supportive speeches and specific questions concerning the provisions and implementation of the draft legislation. All speeches occurred on a single date, focusing on a significant legislative debate. The pattern indicates a focus on details and a readiness to intervene in the technical aspects of policy.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct opposition or criticism directed at other political parties. The criticism is aimed at specific wordings within the draft bill concerning the mandatory assessment of special education teachers, demanding the removal of the phrase "excluding." Furthermore, explanations are required from the ministry regarding the practical organization of the transition to Estonian-language education.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The Speaker, representing the Social Democrats, stresses the party's ongoing commitment to specific objectives (such as equalizing teachers' salaries), highlighting internal political cooperation. Communication with the Minister and the Ministry remains courteous, as they request comments and explanations concerning incoming correspondence and the specific provisions of the draft legislation, signaling a clear readiness for dialogue.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely national, centering on the legislative regulation and quality harmonization of Estonia's comprehensive early childhood education system (childcare facilities and kindergartens). While the obligation of local governments to ensure kindergarten spots is mentioned, specific local or regional projects are not emphasized.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints stress the necessity of state investment in early childhood education, particularly through valuing the work of teachers. Support is given to the gradual increase of state participation in guaranteeing the salaries of kindergarten teachers, viewing this as essential for leveling social inequality and ensuring Estonia’s future success. The need to ensure balanced and healthy nutrition in kindergartens is also emphasized.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social topics concern the accessibility and quality of early childhood education, and the mitigation of social inequality, thereby guaranteeing every child's right to education. Emphasis is placed on the importance of early detection and the identification of special needs, with specialist assessment deemed critical. Support is provided for the transition to Estonian-language education in kindergartens and childcare facilities.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the Draft Law on Early Childhood Education (Bill 419 SE), which the speaker strongly supports and considers its introduction to be good news. The objective is to legally guarantee the availability of kindergarten places, eliminate waiting lists, and standardize the requirements for childcare facilities and kindergartens. It is also a priority to amend the law so that specialist assessments (by speech therapists and special education teachers) are mandatory in all early childhood education institutions.

4 Speeches Analyzed