N.L.'s new early childhood educator retention grant amounts to 'pocket change,' says this ECE

Newfoundland and Labrador is introducing recruitment and retention incentives tokeep early childhood educators in the province in exchange for a long-term commitment.

But while the association that represents ECEs calls it a good first step, one educator says the money isn't much more than "pocket change."

The early childhood educator recruitment and retention grant, announced Tuesday, replaces theECE graduate bursary program and gives Level 1-4educators who qualify up to$2,500 once they become certified through theAssociation of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Educators would also receive $2,500 more when they recertify themselves with the association three years later, and another $2,500 three years after that.

"A key part of supporting accessible, high-quality childcare systems is to ensure that there are trained early childhood educators working in the profession to meet the early learning needs throughout the province," Education Minister Krista Lynn Howell said Tuesday, adding the grants are open to both current educators and those who have left the profession.

WATCH| See more from Tuesday's annoucement:

New bursaries intended to recruit and retain early childhood educators

1 year ago

Duration 2:06

The Association of Early Childhood Educators welcomes an N.L. government move to shore up the ranks of the profession. Operator Jennifer Quilty says anything will help people in her business.

"This is an exciting time for people considering a career in early learning and child care, and we want to encourage everybody to take the next steps and to enrol in the program. We've made significant steps forward. We know there's still a ways to go."

The province is operating8,300 child-care spaces at $10 a day or less across the province, but Howell said in August itisn't clear how high the demand for spaces actually is.

Skye Taylor, the association's executive director, said Tuesday's announcement is a good first step and shows a commitment to recruitment and retention from government.

"Any progress and benefits that early childhood educators can receive in the field is good news," she said.

$2,500 is 'pocket change,'says educator

Howell said educators looking to raise their education level will also be able to avail of the funding multiple times, which is welcomenews for educators likeJennifer Quiltyof Mount Pearl.

"I'm working on my Level 4, so to know that that money is there waiting for me when I finish, it makes me feel like, you know, there's more incentive for me to finish that. Because it can definitely go towards paying off my debt as being a student," she said.

However, Quiltysaid the money isn't very much.

"When you have thislittle, you know, pocket change, $2,500, It's not a lot." she said.

Over three years, $2,500 works outto about $69 per month.The recertification process also takes time 40 hours of training over the three-year period, Quilty said, which is often unpaid.

Quiltysaid she hopes to see pensions and paid benefits for early childhood educators in the near future.

"We need to be more considered level in the playing field," she said.

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