Child Care Early Childhood Educator Wage Enhancement
Highlights
This program is designed for child care providers like you. It offers a $6 per hour wage enhancement for Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) working in eligible licensed child care facilities. This increase can significantly boost the median wage for ECEs, making your facility more attractive to qualified staff.
Why Apply?
- Increased Wages: Enhance your staff's wages by $6 per hour, raising the median wage to about $29 per hour.
- Additional Funding: Receive funding for statutory benefits at a rate of 19.95%.
- Emergency Support: Funding is available during unplanned closures due to emergencies, ensuring consistent fee reductions for parents and continued wage payments for staff.
Benefits to Your Business
- Attract and Retain Talent: Higher wages make your facility more competitive in attracting and retaining skilled ECEs.
- Financial Stability: The wage enhancement and additional funding provide financial stability and support for your business.
- Easy Application: The program is optional and easy to apply for, with support available to guide you through the process.
By participating in this program, you can improve your facility's quality of care, support your staff, and ensure financial stability.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Wage Subsidy
Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:
- There are no repayment terms or interest rates. This is a wage subsidy provided directly to eligible Early Childhood Educators (ECEs).
Eligible Expenses:
- The subsidy is specifically for enhancing wages of ECEs working in eligible licensed child care facilities.
- Additional funding for statutory benefits is provided at a rate of 19.95%.
Use of Funds:
- Funds must be used to increase the hourly wage of eligible ECEs by $6 per hour.
- The subsidy applies to all hours worked by ECEs up to a monthly maximum of 195 hours.
Restrictions on Use of Funds:
- Funds cannot be used for any purpose other than wage enhancement for eligible ECEs.
- They cannot be allocated to other operational costs or non-wage-related expenses.
Fees:
- There are no fees associated with participating in this wage subsidy program.
Qualifications
- Must be an approved facility for the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI).
- Must offer care to children in preschool and/or school-aged children (Grade 1 and above).
- $10 a Day ChildCareBC Centres are also eligible to apply.
- All Early Childhood Educators (ECEs), including owner/operators, must be directly employed by a licensed child care facility that meets the above requirements.
ECEs must hold a valid certificate issued by the Director of the BC ECE Registry under Division 2 of Part 3 of the Child Care Licensing Regulation.
Disqualifications:
- Facilities not approved to participate in the CCFRI as of September 1, 2023.
- ECEs without a valid certificate from the BC ECE Registry.
Description
This program offers your business a $6 per hour wage enhancement for Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) working in eligible licensed child care facilities. This means you can increase the wages of your ECE staff, making your facility more attractive to potential employees and helping you retain your current staff.
Additional funding for statutory benefits is also provided at a rate of 19.95%, starting April 1, 2024. This helps cover costs like employment insurance and pension contributions, reducing your financial burden.
Participation in this program is optional, and you can apply at any time. This flexibility allows you to opt-in when it best suits your business needs. By joining, you can offer more competitive wages, which can improve staff satisfaction and the quality of care provided at your facility.
Program Steps
Gather Required Documentation:
- Business License
- Proof of enrollment in the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI)
- Employee records, including ECE certificates and employment contracts
- Financial statements for the past year
- Completed ECE Employee Acknowledgement forms
Complete the Application Form:
- Access the application form on the official website.
- Fill in all required fields accurately, including facility details and employee information.
Submit the Application:
- Upload the completed application form and all required documentation.
- Ensure all documents are clear and legible.
- Submit the application through the designated online portal.
Await Confirmation:
- Monitor your email for a confirmation receipt of your application.
- Respond promptly to any additional requests for information or clarification.
Notify Eligible ECEs:
- Inform your eligible ECEs about the wage enhancement.
- Collect written acknowledgments from each eligible ECE using the provided template.
Distribute Wage Enhancement:
- Once approved, distribute the wage enhancement and applicable statutory benefits to eligible ECEs.
- Ensure timely and accurate payment as per the program guidelines.
Maintain Records:
- Keep detailed records of all transactions and communications related to the wage enhancement.
- Ensure compliance with all reporting requirements throughout the funding term.
Report Monthly Enrolment:
- Submit monthly ECE enrolment reports through the ECE Reporting Tool.
- Ensure reports are accurate and submitted on time to receive funding.
Renew Annually:
- Prepare for annual renewal by gathering updated documentation and reviewing any changes in program guidelines.
- Submit renewal applications as per the specified timelines to ensure continued participation in the program.