Childcare Operators Receive Second Increase for Wages
For Release ##08-181
July 23, 2008
WHITEHORSE – Health and Social Services Minister Glenn Hart announced today that for the second time in less than a year, government is increasing the funding it provides to Yukon child care operators for staff wages.
The increase takes effect this month and is retroactive to April 1 of this year.
“Child care operators and the child care community have identified low wages as barriers to recruiting and retaining staff. In addition to last year’s increase of 30 per cent, this increase will give child care operators another 40 per cent increase in the wage portion of the direct operating grant,” Hart said.
Wage increases will vary depending on the level of training that workers have. The changes are only the most recent in a series of financial supports for child care. In August 2007, the rate paid to child care operators for their staff wages increased 30 per cent. In November 2007 the child care subsidy rate for parents increased by 25 per cent, resulting in increases from $500 to $625 per month for infant care and from $450 to $565 a month for toddler care.
“The government remains committed to ensuring quality child care for all Yukon children, and will continue to work with the child care community and the Yukon Child Care Board to build healthy families,” Hart added.