Rainbow District School Board and the union representing Designated Early Childhood Educators (DECEs) in Sudbury, Espanola and Manitoulin Island have ratified a collective 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 will be in effect from September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2026, aligning with the provincial settlements at the central bargaining table.
"Rainbow District School Board values the hard work and dedication of its Designated Early Childhood Educators," said Board Chair David Farrow. "I congratulate bargaining teams from the Board and the Union for their efforts in reaching this collective agreement at the local level."
"I am delighted that we have reached and ratified a local agreement with the Board," said Gina McAfee, President of the DECE Rainbow Local. "The dedication of a DECE enriches the daily experiences of our youngest students, ensuring the best possible start to lifelong learning."