Six bilingual rallies will be hosted this month in an effort to create discussion around increasing the salaries and benefits for P.E.I.’s early childhood educators.
The rallies are welcome to all, will include a free meal and are being hosted by the francophone education group, the Association des centres de la petite enfance francophones de l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard (IACPEFÎPÉ).
“Parents in the francophone community want to join the discussion to find ways to resolve the crisis by making early childhood a priority in the eyes of provincial elected officials who can increase the salary and benefits of early childhood educators,” the group stated in a press release.
The group is also following the example of the Early Childhood Development Association of P.E.I. (ECDA), which previously raised awareness on the issue by producing an information toolkit.
IACPEFÎPÉ said both P.E.I.’s francophone and anglophone communities are being affected by a shortage of qualified educators in early childhood centre.
The group said insufficient wages and benefits are at the root of the issue. While the province’s minimum wage in 2019 will have increased by $3.55 per hour since 2010, the group said the provincial salary scale for early childhood educators with a diploma has only increased by $0.66 during the same period.
“As a result, more than 100 certified educators have left their positions for higher-paying jobs,” stated the group.
Rally locations
Saturday, Jan. 19 – Rustico, pancake breakfast, 9:30-11 a.m.
Monday, Jan. 21 – Summerside, spaghetti supper, 6-7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 24 - Évangéline, spaghetti supper, 6-7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 26 – Charlottetown, pancake breakfast, 9:30-11 a.m.
Monday, Jan. 28 – Deblois, spaghetti supper, 6-7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 31 – Souris, spaghetti supper, 6-7:30 p.m.
