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Early childhood educators in Saskatchewan will be bringing home a bit more starting next week.
On Friday, the provincial and federal governments jointly announced a $7-million investment towards increasing wages through the Early Childhood Educator Wage Enhancement Grant.
The increases take effect Oct. 1, and about 2,500 educators – making up about 90 per cent of those currently working in the sector – will see their wages bumped up.
“ECE Level I will receive an increase of up to $1.50 per hour; ECE Level II will receive an increase of up to $2.000 per hour, and ECE level III will receive up to $2.50 an hour,” the provincial government explained in a statement.
According to the province, the bump represents an increase of about eight per cent over wages from September of 2022.
The grant is also being expanded, the province added, to include certified early childhood educators working as assistants in group family child care homes.
Jeremy Cockrill, Saskatchewan’s education minister, said the province is proud to invest in those educating the future generations.
“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,” Cockrill said in a statement.
Cockrill’s comments were echoed by Jenna Sudds, federal minister of families, children and social development.
“The early childhood educator workforce needs improved working conditions and compensation that reflects their education, experiences and responsibilities,” Sudds said in a statement.
“This increase in wages for Early Childhood Educators here in Saskatchewan is an important step.”