Child care professionals are getting a wage boost.
Eligible staff working in a licensed child care program or agency will continue to see increased wages of up to $2 an hour, while home child care providers working with a licensed child care agency will be eligible for a grant of up to $20 a day says a government news release.
"This investment will help strengthen Ontario's child care system by retaining more registered early childhood educators and other qualified professionals," it says.
"Registered early childhood educators and childcare professionals provide Ontario families with a vital service and start our children on a lifelong journey of learning," said Education Minister Lisa Thompson, who announced the wage enhancement funding.
As part of the 2019 Budget, the province introduced the new Ontario Childcare Access and Relief from Expenses (CARE) tax credit that will provide about 300,000 families with up to 75 per cent of their eligible child care expenses.
Ontario is allocating $207 million to municipalities and First Nation communities to support wage enhancements for eligible child care professionals.
Approximately 88 per cent of staff working in the licensed child care sector are eligible for wage enhancement.