Despite funding to add childcare spaces in the province, early childhood educators are disappointed that no funding has been set aside to address some of their main concerns.
ECEs had been seeking paid sick leave, pension benefits and higher wages, none of which were addressed in yesterday’s budget.
Executive Director of Childcare Now, Patrice Gordon says that sends a very negative message to ECEs.
“They’re not listening to the people that are involved in the sector, that educators don’t matter, that’s not the message we want to send” says Gordon.
“Early Childhood Educators are responsible for growth and development of children in the most critical years of their lives, and if we are not recognized as professionals, if we’re not compensated the way we should be, we’re going to continue to have ECEs leave the sector.”
