Cape Breton Island 
Early childhood educators and staff in Nova Scotia’s licensed child-care centres are set to receive increased wages, benefits, and pensions for the first time.
The provincial government, in partnership with the federal government, is investing in the sector to improve the stability and attractiveness of early childhood education jobs.
The initiative announced today includes an hourly wage increase for early childhood educators (ECEs), assistant directors, directors, inclusion coordinators, and family home consultants. Depending on their education and experience, ECEs will earn between $22.91 and $28.78 per hour, with up to $34.54 for those in leadership roles. The wage hike ranges from approximately $3.14 to $4.24 per hour.
In addition to the pay raise, all employees in the sector will receive comprehensive group benefits and a pension plan. The benefits package is provided by Health Association Nova Scotia, a non-profit organization, and the pension plan is a modern defined-benefit scheme offered through the non-profit CAAT Pension Plan.
The funding for these enhancements, amounting to $111 million, will start in 2024. The provincial government will contribute $75.7 million, with the remaining $35.3 million coming from a federal agreement. This initiative will benefit around 3,000 ECEs and support staff in provincially licensed and funded child-care centres.
Per the news release, the roll-out of these benefits will begin with access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program starting January 1. The wage increase will take effect on April 1, 2024. Employers will begin enrolling in the benefits and pension plan in May 2024, aiming for full enrolment by the end of the year. Additionally, the Province will provide retroactive pension contributions from January 1, 2024.
