Disruptions at after-school care in Neve David: Parents demand an immediate and safe solution

(live here) – Parents of children in municipal kindergartens in the Neve David neighborhood in Haifa are complaining about a problematic and distressing situation in the after-school care centers, which has been going on for about two months, and they say they have no answer or solution in sight.

According to the parents, Following the transfer of the children from King's Kindergarten to an alternative building, a heavy load was created in the after-school centers, where the children from Hashalom and Savyon also attend. – Kindergartens intended for pre- and compulsory school age children. Parents claim that the merger causes emotional distress for children, an unbearable burden on staff, and dangerous overcrowding, especially in playgrounds.

Older children cling to a familiar team and avoid integrating.

According to the parents, the older children – those in Garden Hashalom and Garden Savyon – feel like strangers in the new after-school program, which includes children as young as preschool age and staff members come mainly from Garden HaMelech, where the younger children came from.

One of the mothers told Hai Fa: "My daughter doesn't want to stay in the afternoon class every day," she said, describing how her child clings to the only staff member she knows from her kindergarten. "I have a few friends who took their kids out of the afternoon class because they're home early. But I work and I have no choice." She said that feelings of lack of belonging and distance prevent the children from feeling comfortable staying in the afternoon class.

The parents: "King's Garden moved to a temporary structure – but did not return to the original structure, even though the MMAD was completed"

The cause of the problem, the parents claim, is the transfer of the children of King's Garden to a temporary structure – Roots Garden – due to a lack of protected space in the original structure. In the meantime, it is claimed, a new kindergarten has been established at King's Garden, but despite this, no decision has been made to return the children to the previous structure.

Parents express frustration at the lack of response: "It doesn't matter if we contact them by phone or email, we don't get an explanation from anyone," says one of the mothers. According to her, if the daycare center is already built, there is no reason for the children of King's Garden to stay in the alternative building where there is no possibility of a lunch break at all.

45 children in one yard: unreasonable congestion in the playground

Another problem raised by the parents is related to the physical conditions in the temporary structure of Gan Hamelech. Gan Shorashim, where the children were transferred, has no yard at all. As compensation, it is claimed, the children are taken to the yard of Gan Savyon – which results in the accumulation of about 45 children in one yard.
"The children complain that they don't have fun, it's crowded, and the staff complain about the discomfort," says another mother. Many parents emphasize that children need open space to get fresh air and burn off energy, and a crowded yard doesn't allow for this.

Unfulfilled promises: "They said it would end after Passover – but nothing happened"

According to the parents, the tense and uncomfortable situation began two months ago, when they were told that the disruption to after-school care would end after Passover. But in reality, even after the holiday, the children continue to be in the unhealthy situation – with no improvement expected.
"We contacted the Neve Yosef Community Center, which is responsible for the after-school programs, and they told us it would be resolved after Passover," claims one of the mothers. According to her, many parents feel that they are being distorted or simply ignored. "We were told that the Home Front Command does not approve a return to King's Garden - but how is this possible when Savyon Garden itself is operating as usual even though it does not have a protected space at all? It's ridiculous."

Missing staff at lunchtime: "The children are left with staff members they don't know"

Another major problem raised by parents is the lack of staff from the older children's original kindergartens. Most of the staff at Tzharon are from King's Garden - so the older children find themselves isolated or distanced from the activities.
"We are asking that at least our children's staff members be brought back," emphasizes one of the mothers. According to her, the lack of familiar staff members undermines the children's sense of security, who in many cases simply cry and refuse to stay at the lunchroom.

Ongoing uncertainty and a sense of lack of transparency

A sense of uncertainty has been with parents for a long time. There is no clear outlook for the end of the situation, and there are no clear answers from official sources. "We are now told that it will remain like this until the end of the year," shares one of the mothers, "but we don't understand why.
If there is a ready-made battalion commander, why don't they return?
And if not, why do the other genes function normally?"

Parents demand, at the very least, official and open explanations, in order to understand what the decisions that harm children are based on.

Child safety: Kindergartens are located across from an active construction site

Besides the pedagogical and organizational issues, parents also raise another security concern: The kindergartens are located across from an active construction site. Therefore, the parents asked the municipality to post a permanent security guard at the entrance to the complex. According to them, the request was rejected on the grounds that the kindergartens in question have less than 100 children – the threshold that requires the presence of a security guard.
As an alternative solution, the parents claim, the municipality operates a city patrol that passes through the neighborhood. But they claim that this does not ensure the safety of the children, and certainly does not provide a response in the event of a security incident or emergency.

Haifa Municipality's response: "The work in the King's Garden is expected to be completed in the coming days"

The Haifa Municipality announced that maintenance work is underway at King's Garden, which is expected to be completed in the coming days. As soon as it is completed, the children will return to study in the original building of King's Garden.

A clear requirement: to allow children to learn with their peers and with familiar staff

Ultimately, the parents' main demand is simple and clear: to restore order and allow children to spend time in a lunchroom that is appropriate for their age, with staff members they know and trust.
As one of the mothers says: "What's left of the year - let them at least spend it comfortably, with friends their own age and in a setting where they feel safe."

A response from the Neve Yosef Community Center will be attached to the article when received.