Rainbow District School Board and the union representing Designated Early Childhood Educators (DECEs) in Sudbury, Espanola and Manitoulin Island have reached a tentative agreement at the local level.
Designated Early Childhood Educators are represented by the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario. They engage students in learning activities in Kindergarten classrooms in partnership with teachers.
The new deal, once ratified, will be in effect from September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2026, aligning with the provincial settlements at the central bargaining table.
"Our Designated Early Childhood Educators play a valued role in the delivery of programs for our youngest learners," said Rainbow District School Board Chair David Farrow. He added: "We commend the bargaining teams from the Board and the Union for working together to achieve this tentative agreement."
"DECEs enjoy applying their knowledge of early childhood growth and development throughout the classroom and outdoor environment daily," said Gina McAfee, President of the DECE Rainbow Local. "With the combined expertise of the Kindergarten team, our youngest students explore learning centres and engage in experiences that provide the best possible start to school."
