Daycare operators in New Brunswick are finding it more challenging to find early childhood educators.
On average, an early childhood educator earns about $15 or $16 per hour and low wages may discourage many from entering the field.
Wee College founder and president Melody Munroe says many who obtain a certificate may decide to work for themselves in their own homes as opposed to working for an operator.
“I think the baseline here is that when we are looking at our ECE’s (early childhood educators) and they are taking their course, they are looking at a career. They are looking at something that will sustain their family, something that will sustain their particular lifestyle,” she notes.
As an operator, Munroe says she is exploring several options including recruiting workers from outside the country and lobbying to expand the early childhood education program to two years instead of one which may make it more attractive as a career.
The Gallant government recently announced $1 million to support the Early Learning and Child Care Trust Fund which includes tuition reimbursements for anyone earning an early childhood education certificate.
(91.9 The Bend PHOTO – Premier Brian Gallant and Finance Minister Cathy Rogers with children at Wee College in Moncton)