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The Newfoundland and Labrador government promised more child care spaces in Wednesday's provincial budget, but two early childhood education students wanted to see more promises of benefits and a focus on retention within their chosen field.
"A lot of people have the [idea] we are babysitters, but we are educators and we should be treated that way," said Mckenzie Neilson, who's about to graduate from the Level 2 certificate program at the College of the North Atlantic in Corner Brook.
"It would be really nice if we could see pensions, benefits [and a review of] the wage grid often so we are compensated often throughout our career."
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"We want to be recognized as professionals once we enter the field," said Neilson.
Neilson says proper childhood care factors into most budgetary decisions.
The province promised to hire 400 educators and learning assistants in K-12 classrooms, she points out — saying many of those hired will need adequate child care before they can enter the workforce.