What pay increases have been agreed for the early learning and childcare workforce?

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Little girl smiling at the camera in a preschool holding colourful balls
27 Aug 2024

The minimum hourly rates increased in the Early Years Services Sector as a new Employment Regulation Order will came into play in June 2024.

The Employment Regulation Orders apply to approximately 33,000 educators and it is estimated that 53% of those working in the sector have seen  their wages rise as a result of the new Employment Regulation Orders.

These amended Employment Regulation Orders increase the minimum hourly rates applicable from 24 June 2024 as follows:

  • Early Years Educators and School Age Childcare (SAC) Practitioners €13.00 to €13.65
  • Lead Educators (Room Leaders) and School Age Childcare (SAC) Coordinators €14.00 to €14.70
  • Graduate Lead Educators (Room Leaders) and Graduate School Age Childcare (SAC) Coordinators €15.50 to €16.28
  • Deputy/Assistant Manager €15.70 to €16.49
  • Centre Manager €16.50 to € 17.33
  • Graduate Centre Manager €17.25 to €18.11

This means there are increasing financial benefits to gaining your level 7 BA (Ord) Early Childhood Care & Education degree or BA (Hons) Early Childhood Care and Education degree.

The removal of the requirement for graduates to have three years of experience before they are eligible for Graduate Lead Educator and Graduate Manager rates of pay from the Employment Regulation Orders also came into play.

Services participating in Core Funding can claim the graduate premium for all Graduate Lead Educators and managers with degrees regardless of their experience.

Denise Flood is the College Director and Head of the Early Years Department at Portobello Institute.

"I am delighted with the announcement which estimates that 53% of those working in the early years sector in Ireland will see their wages rise. This development is a significant step forward in recognising the crucial role that early years educators play in our society.

"At Portobello Institute, we have always emphasised the importance of early childhood education and the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to provide quality care and learning experiences to young children. The approved pay increases are a testament to the value of their work and the impact they have on the development and well-being of our youngest learners.
 
"We are particularly pleased to see the comprehensive approach taken by the Government in addressing both pay and career pathways. The new wage scales and the removal of experience requirements for graduates will undoubtedly enhance the attractiveness of careers in this sector, aiding in both recruitment and retention of talented educators.
 
"These changes align perfectly with our mission at Portobello Institute to prepare our students for meaningful and rewarding careers in early childhood education. The improved pay and conditions will not only benefit current educators but will also inspire and motivate our students who are the future of this profession.
 
"We look forward to continuing our collaboration with industry partners and the Government to ensure that early childhood education receives the support and recognition it deserves. Together, we can build a robust and sustainable future for this essential sector," she said.
 

Emer Higgins is the Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail. She accepted the proposal for these changes.

“Those working in the early learning and childcare sector provide an outstanding service to infants and children while offering invaluable support to growing families," she said.

Minister Roderic O’Gorman has welcomed the move which will support career pathways and will help to support the recruitment and retention of early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners.

“Improvement in pay and conditions is essential if we are to recognise the important work that is done every day by those who work in this sector. It is also essential if we are to improve recruitment and retention and raise the profile of careers in the sector. And it is essential if we are to support the ongoing professionalisation of the sector," he said.

Find Out More

If you have any questions you can book a consultation call with our expert course advisor Sarah Coyne email sarah.coyne@portobelloinstitute.com or call 01 892 0041.

 
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Sarah Coyne

Education is a journey and the destination is a career that you love. I support the department that helps you to plan your journey so you can find the path that’s right for you. As I am often the first point of contact for many prospective students, I am excited to introduce students to the Portobello Institute experience. I enjoy learning about students’ ideas, goals, and passions, and this job allows me to do so.  

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