Nova Scotia announces improvements to compensation for early childhood educators

CITYnews halifax \ By Maryanne McLarty

The province says it has reached another milestone in its commitment to design employee benefits and retirement savings options for early childhood educators.

Starting May 11, Hub International, the consultant hired to lead the work, will be contacting licensed child-care facility and family home agency operators to gather non-identifiable information about their business. The province says Hub will use this information to develop options that will be presented to the sector this fall.

“We know that quality early childhood education starts with skilled and trained early childhood educators who feel fulfilled and supported in their careers,” said Becky Druhan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. “We value this workforce, which is why we are continuing to support ECEs with higher wages that recognize years of service and education, regular wage increases and soon, employee benefits, including retirement savings.”

A sector working group representing ECEs and operators will be formed to give information to Hub International and the department. The province says ECEs will be surveyed on their priorities for the design of the benefits plan.

Nova Scotia is investing $100 million a year to deliver wage increases for ECEs of between 14 per cent and 43 per cent. The investment also includes benefits and retirement savings plans.

This year, the province says that it has increased its investment by $83 million, for a total investment of $277 million in 2023-24.