Saudi Gazette The Ministry of Education has decided to open 1,000 nurseries in government schools for girls in all regions of the Kingdom. Earlier there were no nursery sections in schools; educational doors opened for children from grade one onwards. The Deputy Minister of Education, Noura Al-Fayez, told Al-Watan daily that the ministry has begun its preparations for opening nurseries in government schools. They will need to employ 7,000 pre-school teachers and administrators to effectively operate the new section. Many view the ministry's decision to open up nurseries as a productive and positive one because it will provide thousands of job opportunities for educated women. It will offer a safe and pleasant environment which will promote mental and social development for children of working women, who worry about leaving their young children in the care of nannies or domestic help at home. The kindergarten year can be very helpful in giving young students an academic head start as they learn basic language through play and interaction apart from developing their sensory and motor skills. “The Ministry of Education will be meticulous in picking highly qualified, trained, and proactive teachers. We are looking for leaders in early childhood education and development,” Al-Fayez said. She further added, “The ministry is responsible for furnishing these classrooms with furniture, toys, attractive teaching aids, school supplies, and equipment suitable for young children. The ministry is keen on making sure that 1,000 nurseries will open on schedule and supervising the schools to ensure that they properly maintain these new classrooms.” Al-Fayez also said that the ministry wants to adopt teachers who not only have a strong educational background, but who have good communication skills as well. Teachers of all grades should be competent in open dialogue, motivating students, building respectful but friendly relationships, and enhancing the student's love for learning. Students will benefit more from the educational process if they feel a sense of attachment and belonging to their schools, and well-qualified teachers are ones who can create a friendly-learning atmosphere. __
