Province to also roll out benefits for all employees in sector
Early childhood educators (ECEs) in Nova Scotia will be getting a wage increase in April 2024 as part of the provincial government's efforts to recognise the employees in the sector.
Starting April 1, ECEs working in provincially licensed and funded child-care centres and family home agencies in Nova Scotia will get an hourly increase from about $3.14 to $4.24.
The provincial government said on Wednesday that those working as inclusion coordinators, such as assistant directors, directors, and family home consultants, are covered by the wage hike.
Currently, ECEs Level 1, 2, and 3 are being paid between $22.91 and $28.98 per hour, depending on the experience and education. ECEs in leadership roles, on the other hand, are being paid by up to $34.54 per hour.
Benefits, pension package introduced
Meanwhile, the government also announced that it is introducing a string of benefits and pensions for all employees in the child-care sector.
Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Becky Druhan said these measures aim to recognise the valuable work carried out by ECEs and other employees in the industry.
"We heard from the sector that balancing affordability while implementing a health benefits and retirement plan is crucial. We heard, we listened, and now we are delivering," Bruhan said in a statement.
Starting January 1, all employees in the child-care sector will have access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program.
In May 2024, employers will start enrolling in group benefits and the pension plan, with full enrolment scheduled by the end of 2024.
Group Benefits will be provided by the non-profit Health Association Nova Scotia.
"We're excited to partner with the Department to offer group health benefits for the early learning and child-care sector," said Mary Donovan, Health Association Nova Scotia, in a statement.
The benefit pension will be introduced through the CAAT Pension Plan, with the government extending funding to employers to pay for retroactive pension contributions to January 1, 2024.
Derek Dobson, CEO and Plan Manager, CAAT Pension Plan, said they are proud to provide employees in the sector a sustainable workplace pension plan.
"They can look forward to secure and valuable lifetime income in retirement. Employees and operators will benefit from the value and sustainability of a modern defined benefit pension plan," Dobson said in a statement.
Important step for recognition
Overall, the initiatives will cost the government $111 million starting 2024, including $57.5 million from the province and $35.3 million from an agreement with the federal government.
About 3,000 ECEs and support staff working in the sector are expected to benefit from these initiatives.
"Today's announcement will improve compensation and benefits for early learning and child-care workers and is an important step to recognize the educators who are essential to childhood development in the province," said Jenna Sudds, federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, in a statement.
"I look forward to the continued efforts to recruit, retain, and recognize this vital workforce."
