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Although they've historically been among the lower-paid professionals, licensed child care workers in Saskatchewan are about to see a boost to their wages.
Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford said the government is spending $11 million to boost hourly wages by about $1.50. The increase, which affects some 1,200 child care centre employees, is retroactive to Nov. 1, 2005.
In 2004, the average gross hourly wage for trained early childhood educators was $11.33.
Crofford said the six per cent increase announced Thursday and a second one of nine per cent in April will bring that average wage above $13 an hour.
According to the 2001 census, early childhood educators and assistants earn about half the average income for people in professions in Canada.
Crofford said Thursday's announcement will help child care centres retain quality staff.
The $11 million comes from the federal government under a new child-care agreement signed with the Saskatchewan government last year. It doesn't apply to those who run day cares from their homes. Crofford said announcements on subsidies for day cares will be made soon.
- reprinted from CBC News