Early Childhood Teachers Underpaid in Jamaica
Early childhood care and education makes a very positive contribution to well-being of young children in Jamaica between the ages of 3 – 6. A growing body of research on brain development shows that experiences that children have in the first five years of life have a decisive and long lasting impact on all areas of children’s later development. Studies have also shown that children between ages 3-6 who receive social activities, educational concepts and creative skills are better prepared for their school years. Interaction with parents, caregivers and teachers are the first step to a well-rounded child.
The above introduction says it all when it comes to how important early childhood teachers are to the molding of young minds. Over the years and when I say over the years I am referring to the last 30 years as I can recall, the lowest income for a teacher is in early childhood. As to why this is? so much things are said such as and this is my favorite “basic schools or early childhood institutions teachers are to get pay from fees collected”.
The minimum wages have been revised in Jamaica with effect from 01 April 2022. The minimum wages are increased as follow: For all workers, except security guards, from JMD7,000.00 to JMD9,000.00 per week; and. For private security guards, from JMD9,700.00 to JMD10,500.00 per week and a Early Childhood teacher currently receives $19,250 monthly (without level 2) which is approximately $4,800 per week. Basically to teach at a early childhood institution or Basic school at least 5 CXC’s are required including English & Mathematics and to work for minimum wage no special qualifications are required (especially if you were recommended by a friend) because to pack a bag in a supermarket it only takes common sense and you are guaranteed your minimum wage. Some basic schools or Early Childhood schools charge between JMD$2,000 and jmd$4000 for school fees per term and a number of parents are not willing to pay this so again the little extra monies basic school teachers are suppose to get is gone.
Duties carried out for the above salary
- Teaching students (writing on board, writing in their books etc)
- Taking them to the bathroom
- Cleaning their mess (comes in all forms)
- Watching them while they play (very important)
- Feeding students
- Dealing with rude parents (every teacher experience this)
- Cleaning bathrooms (Most basic schools in Jamaica can’t afford to hire janitor)
- Putting them on taxi
- Waiting hours after school for parents to pick up student
- Plan and lead educational activities and lessons like story time, making music, or crafts.
- Write reports on students for supervisors and document behavioral or learning concerns.
- Communicate with parents about programs, problems, lessons, and student progress.
- Maintain safe, clean facilities, and teach children rules of safe conduct
Ways in which the Early Childhood teachers have to spend back what they earn
- Invitation to workshops (it cost money to take taxi or gas if you drive to these locations)
- You are given a list of things that the school needs to do (no money is provided for this)
- Food handles certification (done yearly – paid from your pocket)
- Police record (done yearly – paid from your pocket)
- You are told to get a level 2 or 3 certification (cost thousands of dollars for the course and to buy items for your project – first aid kit, charts, games etc)
If you complete your level 2 or 3 certificate your salary (IS SUPPOSED TO) increase from $19,250 to about 33,000 monthly if you have CXC’s Mathematic and English. This is really funny when I hear of these figures from some of the workers. Picture working extremely hard for 33k monthly to build a life from this, cost of living keeps increasing and your pay is stagnant.
This blog was written just to showcase some of the challenges early childhood or Basic school teachers face in Jamaica. We have many more post to showcase in the coming weeks and this blog will also be updated soon as more information is validated on this topic. (REVISED MAY 2022)
