What factors influence wages and benefits in early learning and child care centres?

Excerpts from the paper:

No single factor can explain the low compensation levels in the early learning and child care sector.

Instead, the reasons stem from a complex relationship between four variables that&emdash;depending on the jurisdiction and particular circumstances&emdash;combine to influence compensation:

- Revenue (parent fees, subsidies, and operating/recurring government grants)
- Employment and labour issues
- System design
- Public policy

This paper examines these variables and their impact on the compensation of early childhood educators and assistants working in programs licensed by provincial or territorial governments, including child care centres, preschools, and family day homes serving children aged 0 - 12.