“I’ve worked in child care for over 12 years. It has only gotten worse – with less workers and more work as our centre is constantly short staffed, and unable to retain staff. After 12 years of work I get paid 51 cents more than someone who gets hired at my work as a contract staff. I don’t even make $19/hour. I have no pension.
I’m unable to afford legal housing for myself and my partner, and I am constantly wanting to leave my job and the profession. I’ve been putting off having a child due to my low wages. I fear not being able to properly afford children and pay for my own daycare expenses.
Early Childhood Educators deserve a better livable wage. We went to college, we have diplomas. We deserve to have a life, not just get by, living pay cheque to pay cheque. We deserve more.”
*Name changed to protect privacy