The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are making a major investment in early childhood education, dedicating nearly $35 million over the next two years to improve the sector. This funding will provide tuition-free training, professional development, and financial support for early childhood educators (ECEs) across the province. These efforts are part of the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, which aims to create a more robust and qualified workforce in early childhood education.
Tuition-Free Training and Professional Development
From 2024 to 2026, the $35 million investment will offer over 4,000 tuition-free training opportunities and more than 5,300 professional development sessions for early childhood educators in Saskatchewan. These programs will allow both current and aspiring ECEs to gain valuable skills, work towards certification, and improve their career prospects. This funding will specifically support educators seeking ECE Certification Levels I, II, or III.
Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill expressed the importance of this initiative, stating, “We are meeting the needs of the early childhood sector with real actions to recruit and retain qualified educators.” Canada’s Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development, Jenna Sudds, also emphasized the role of this funding in achieving affordable childcare for families in Saskatchewan by empowering educators through skill enhancement opportunities.
Expanding Educational Access Across Saskatchewan
The investment will benefit 10 post-secondary institutions throughout Saskatchewan, including Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, College Mathieu, Dumont Technical Institute, and six regional colleges. These institutions will offer various training options, including full-time, part-time, online, and evening classes, ensuring that the programs are accessible to a wide range of students.
The expanded funding builds on previous investments, such as the $26 million allocated to post-secondary opportunities over the past three years, and reflects the growing need for skilled early childhood educators in the province. Since March 2021, the number of certified ECEs has increased by 15%, with a notable 30% rise in ECE Level III certifications.
Addressing the Growing Demand for Early Childhood Educators
With nearly $83 million invested in early childhood education in Saskatchewan to date, the province is committed to ensuring that families have access to high-quality, affordable childcare. This funding not only supports wage enhancements and financial assistance for training but also helps to increase the number of qualified educators, particularly in rural and remote areas.
Keleah Ostander, Vice-President of Programs and Students at Great Plains College, highlights the impact of this initiative: “By offering tuition-free training, we are ensuring a steady supply of skilled graduates to support the expansion of childcare spaces in Saskatchewan.” Saskatchewan’s $35 million investment in early childhood education is a significant step towards building a stronger, more qualified workforce in the sector.
By providing tuition-free training and professional development, the initiative aims to meet the growing demand for early childhood educators and improve access to quality childcare across the province. This strategic funding will play a crucial role in creating a brighter future for Saskatchewan’s children and families.
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