Estimated Timeline For Completion of Salary Review for Early Childhood Educators Under ECDA and Measures To Manage The Workload And Aid In Career Development

Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what is the estimated timeline for completion of the salary review of early childhood educators under the Early Childhood Development Agency; and (b) whether the review will include implementing measures to manage the workload and provide pathways and progressions for career development.

Answer

1. Over the past three years, educators’ salaries in government supported preschools have increased by around 20% on average.

2. There is an ongoing salary review for EC educators which we expect to complete in the 4th quarter of 2022. ECDA intends to work with government-supported operators to implement the changes from 2023 onwards. The review will ensure our educators’ salaries are commensurate with their contributions and professional skills, while being competitive enough to attract and retain talent in the sector.

3. Apart from the review, there is already an Early Childhood Skills Framework and a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) roadmap. Career pathways have also been expanded so that educators can aspire towards larger or new roles such as Lead Early Years Educator, Deputy Centre Leader and Curriculum Specialist.

4. ECDA is also paying attention to educators’ well-being. The ongoing digitalisation initiatives help educators better manage their workload. ECDA is also working with preschools to adopt recommendations from the Occupational Health and Safety Assessment for the EC sector to ensure our educators’ physical and mental well-being are taken care of.

5. ECDA will continue to engage and work closely with our stakeholders to pursue improvements in these areas.