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The association representing early childhood educators on P.E.I. says it's been asking for years for the provincial government to increase wages for its members.

Last week in the provincial legislature the Official Opposition pointed out early childhood educators haven't seen a wage increase in five years, and noted clerks in government liquor stores earn more money.

"What always amazes me is why we have to compare early childhood educators wages to another position in order to find them astonishingly low," said Sonya Hooper, executive director of the Early Childhood Development Association of P.E.I.

"[$]16.88 with a college diploma or university degree is not a reasonable wage to deliver the expectation to keep these children safe and secure, and meanwhile educating them in their pre-school years."

The $16.88/hour mentioned by Hooper is the top wage for an early childhood educator on P.E.I. The pay scale starts at $12.

Hooper said her association is scheduled to meet with the minister early in the new year. She hopes they'll come to an agreement on a wage increase.

The Opposition says at a minimum government should index those wages to inflation.

-reprinted from CBC News Prince Edward Island