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Today, the Governments of Saskatchewan and Canada announced an investment of $7 million dollars to increase the wages for Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) through the Early Childhood Educator Wage Enhancement grant, starting October 1, 2023.
"Our government is proud to continue investing in early childhood educators so that they can continue to grow and nurture future generations of Saskatchewan citizens," Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. "This investment will help recruit and retain staff throughout the province and recognizes the importance early childhood educators have in supporting positive outcomes for our province's youngest learners."
It is estimated that more than 90 per cent of ECEs currently working in the sector, or 2,500 individuals, will see an increase in wages. ECE Level I will receive an increase of up to $1.50 per hour; ECE Level II will receive an increase of up to $2.00 per hour, and ECE Level III will receive up to $2.50 an hour. Compared to September 2022, this is approximately an eight per cent increase, on average, in the hourly wages for ECEs in the province.
The ECE Wage Enhancement grant is also being expanded to include assistants working in group family child care homes who have an ECE certification.
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"Supporting the valuable work of early childhood educators is key to the success of a high-quality child care system, especially one which will expand the number of regulated spaces across the country," Canada's Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Jenna Sudds said. "The early childhood educator workforce needs improved working conditions and compensation that reflects their education, experiences and responsibilities. This increase in wages for Early Childhood Educators here in Saskatchewan is an important step. I look forward to continuing the work with provinces and territories to strengthen the workforce, and advance recruitment, retention and recognition supports."
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