The province is planning to release a new wage framework for early childhood educators.
They’ve set a goal to release the new framework in the fall, but are working to finish it as soon as possible.
Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development Becky Druhan says it’s decades overdue.
“It was a priority for us from the start, our ECEs are the backbone of childcare in Nova Scotia,” says Druhan. “We understand their desire to have this implemented quickly and we share that desire.”
She added the resulting wage increases will be funded by both the provincial and federal governments.
Druhan also addressed concerns of an ECE shortage as the province plans to add 1,500 new spots in the fall.
“We’ve been supporting an increase in ECE participation in programs through the award of $1.4 million in bursaries,” says Druhan. “We expect to see over 300 new graduates this year which will help to support our sector growth.”
She hopes the wage increases will also entice ECEs who have left the sector to return.
