Early childhood education plays a vital role in shaping our future by nurturing young minds and providing a sturdy foundation for their academic, social, and emotional development. However, it’s well recognised that the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector (ECEC) as early educators often face financial challenges due to low wages.
It’s for this reason that Goodstart Early Learning, Australia’s largest not for profit provider of early learning and care, will increase wages for most educators by 7 per cent on July 1, one of the largest wage increases offered by a major national employer.
On the up
Goodstart Chief Executive Dr Ros Baxter said the wage rise – the largest in Goodstart’s history – recognised the crucial role that Goodstart’s educators played in providing the high-quality early learning that makes such a huge difference to children’s learning outcomes.
“Most of our educators will receive a 7 per cent rise and the starting salary for a graduate teacher at Goodstart will rise 5.75 per cent to $80,000, more than new teachers are paid in most government schools across Australia. Goodstart educators will now be paid at least 5.3% more than award rates in a sector where most educators are paid only award rates."
“The wage rise we are announcing today is one step toward securing proper recognition of the value of the work of early childhood education."
It's imperative
Increasing wages sends a powerful message that we value the dedication, expertise, and commitment of educators to early childhood education. This recognition can only boost the morale and motivation of early educators, leading to improved job satisfaction and a higher quality of education for our children.
A wage increase is not just about addressing financial disparities; it is a means of recognising their worth, attracting and retaining talented professionals to the sector as well as improving working conditions, fostering professional development, and ultimately, strengthening the early education sector.
It is crucial to acknowledge their contributions and provide them with the support they need to continue shaping young minds and laying the foundation for a bright future.
By investing in the welfare of early educators, we invest in the future of our children.
