“Before I moved out of my family home and had a family I thought the pay I made as an ECE was pretty good because I didn’t have any “responsibilities’ yet. Once I moved out on my own with my now fiancé and we had our son it really hit me at how little of money I make as a full-time RECE.
I make just 25 cents over minimum wage and I am in my 7th year of working as a full-time RECE. My pay basically just covers the bills and no extras. I have to worry about if I miss just one day of work because that could mean I fall behind on my bills. There have been times I have contemplated leaving my job that I spent so much money, time and hard work, and work in a factory instead, because I could make $20+ an hour instead.
I love being an RECE but it’s time for us to be seen as professionals and get decent pay for the hard work we do!”
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We know this storyteller is not alone. Far too many educators are working without decent wages or working conditions. No one should worry about paying their bills. The current proposed regulatory changes to qualifications in early years programs will not address recruitment and retention issues when educators continue to face such financial challenges. We need decent work and professional pay which keeps educators in the sector. Working conditions are learning conditions, and children, families, and educators deserve better. Ontario deserves a national child care plan.
Share your story. Sign the petition. Rise up for child care. https://www.childcareontario.org/risingup