TSC Employment of ECDE Teachers: What You Should Know

Teachers of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) instructors, who teach pre-primary students, are among Kenya’s lowest-paid civil servants, particularly in the teaching profession. They are essential for the growth and development of young children, as they establish a comfortable environment for infants and influence their physical, intellectual, and emotional development.

Recently, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) effectively advocated for the employment of ECDE teachers with the national government, providing grounds for optimism.

TSC’s Employment of ECDE Teachers

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is now able to employ ECDE instructors as a result of ongoing educational reforms. In 2014, KNUT filed a lawsuit against the county governments for their direct employment of ECDE instructors. After a two-year dispute, the court ordered TSC to register all ECDE instructors, thereby transferring employment responsibility from the county governments to TSC. This transition allows for permanent and pensionable engagement by ECDE teachers.

Employment of ECDE Teachers by Counties

Historically, county administrations have recruited ECDE teachers and overseen nearly all aspects of pre-primary education, with the exception of teacher registration, which TSC exclusively manages. However, a significant number of counties have not standardized the salaries of ECDE instructors. The majority of teachers are employed on contracts rather than on permanent and pensionable terms. Every two years, some contracts undergo renewals.

Salaries of ECDE Teachers by County

The salaries of ECDE instructors are subject to substantial variation across various counties, with the remuneration formula of each county playing a significant role.

Most counties typically pay ECDE teachers between Sh.10,000 and Sh.20,000 per month. Nevertheless, in certain counties, the monthly salary may be less than Sh10,000.

TSC Employment Requirements for ECDE Teachers

At the county level, the TSC administers the registration process for ECDE teachers, with requirements that vary depending on the level of education:

Degree

Mean Grade of C+ or higher

Diploma

The candidate must have a university diploma with an average grade of C+ or higher.
Certificate of Mean Grade C Plain at KCSE
ECDE Certificate from KNEC Certificate Mean grade D (plain) and above at KCSE, a KNEC proficiency certificate, and an ECDE Certificate from KNEC

Certificate

A minimum mean grade of D+ at KCSE and an ECDE Certificate from KNEC are required.
A minimum of ECDE Certificate from KNEC and CPE/KCPE

The new salary scale for ECDE teachers.

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is presently in the process of recruiting Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers. TSC has implemented a service scheme for teachers assigned to public institutions. The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has identified the salary ranges for ECDE instructors by their educational backgrounds.

The scheme allows for the employment of ECDE teachers as assistant teachers in Job Group F, offering an annual salary ranging from Ksh7,836 to Ksh8,717.

Diploma holders classified as Senior ECDE Teacher I with 15 years of experience will receive a salary ranging from Ksh15,224 to Ksh19,064. Job Group R is the greatest job group that ECDE teachers can attain by demonstrating strong leadership skills and furthering their education.

The government’s initiative to employ ECDE teachers on permanent and pensionable terms is anticipated to motivate educators. It will also improve service delivery and performance. Teachers are essential in shaping the minds of young people and fostering their development, given the high demand for qualified ECDE instructors.

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Numerous colleges and universities provide pertinent programs for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in ECDE. Prospective students must meet the specific admission requirements for certificate, diploma, and degree programs.

The initiative to recruit and adequately compensate ECDE teachers represents a substantial step toward improving early childhood education in Kenya. We anticipate that this initiative will lead to enhanced educational outcomes and more efficient service delivery in public institutions.

TSC Employment of ECDE Teachers: What You Should Know