BY SARAH JAMES and IAN CROUCH

Early childhood educators across the Hunter will be clocking off at 3.20pm today as part of a nationwide walk out.

They’ll take part in a rally at Turner Park at Cessnock to highlight the growing pay gap between them and primary school teachers

Staff at these centres are earning as little as $21 an hour, with many having an education degree.

It means they’re earning around $30,000 per year less than a primary school teacher.

Branxton Preschool Director Natalie Caslick says unless wages increase, good educators will continue to leave the industry.

“I’ve been in the profession for 25 years and we haven’t seen may pay rises or increases in wages over that time – and watched so many of our good workers walk out because they get $21.00 an hour for their qualifications,” she said.



Branxton Preschool Director Natalie Caslick