As early childhood educators, we know quality child care depends on quality educators. We also know that early childhood educators like you are highly skilled and trained and want to provide the best care and education for children and their families.

Yesterday, the BC government announced the next step in building an affordable, high-quality child care system- a much-needed wage increase for early childhood educators through the Early Care and Learning Recruitment and Retention Strategy.

Starting in 2019, early childhood educators will earn an additional $1/hour or $2000 per year boost in wages and an additional $1/hour or $4000 per year in 2020. As well, the strategy will also include the newly created ECE Workforce Development Fund to support training and learning opportunities for you to grow in your career.

While it is a small step forward, it is still a step in the right direction. A boost in wages is one way to recognize and support the many caring professionals like you that take care of our children. 

But the Early Care and Learning Recruitment and Retention Strategy is not the end of this story- it is only the beginning.

Child care in British Columbia was among the most expensive in Canada until this year and unfortunately, we can't fix this broken system in the blink of an eye.

We know that the cornerstone of an affordable child care system that works for everyone also means that early childhood educators are valued and well compensated. We are not there yet.

But, we are encouraged by the progress that we are making together with our members to build an affordable, universal child care program that works for all families in the province.

Since the February 2018 announcement of Child Care BC, we have made great strides. 

The Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative has resulted in more than 50,000 licenced child care spaces now receive funding to reduce parents' fees. Starting in September, the Affordable Child Care Benefit program provides monthly support directly to families to further help with the cost of child care. 

As well, the province also announced funding for 22,000 new licensed child care spaces over the next three years- which is good news for families with young children on waiting lists.

Yesterday's announcement is an important first step to bring wages up to where we know they need to be. We will continue push for better wages for early childhood educators to make sure that educators have what they need to do the work that they love.

Together, we will continue to fight for affordable, quality child care for every family in British Columbia.

Thank you for all that you do for working families,
Stephanie Smith, President and Andrea Duncan, Vice-President, Community Social Services