Wages & Benefits

Inadequate wages have led to the challenge we now face recruiting and retaining qualified ECEs. Current wage enhancements have not meaningfully or equitably increased wages. Further, the federal government and most provincial governments, including BC, are committed to expanding access to child care - which will require even more qualified ECEs. Clearly we need a different approach.

This project considered the design and implementation of a wage grid for certified educators working in licensed child care programs. The project team conducted a literature review, interviewed key informants, and evaluated wage grids and ECE wage policies across Canada. We analyzed the results to determine the current state of ECE wages in Canada, including efforts to increase ECE wages, and the best practices in developing an ECE wage grid. Based on these results, we made specific recommendations for BC.

Project findings confirm that a competitive, publicly funded provincial wage grid not only raises wages, but provides consistency and recognition of the essential and valuable work of ECEs. We have foundations in place to help us build this ECE wage grid in BC. And our recommended wages provide an immediate next step since higher wages are needed now.

Past Report:
2020 Wage Grid Report (PDF) | 2020 Wage Grid Report Executive Summary (PDF)