The Governments of Saskatchewan and Canada are investing $10.8 million to expand early learning and child care (ELCC) through the development of new child care centres at Saskatchewan Polytechnic campuses and Northlands College.
Through the federal ELCC Infrastructure Fund, as part of the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide ELCC Agreement, 450 new child care spaces will be created at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campuses in Regina, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw and the new Saskatoon campus, along with 90 additional spaces at Northlands College in La Ronge.
This investment in infrastructure will strengthen the regulated child care system by designating 30 per cent of the spaces for families facing barriers to access, including children with disabilities.
These new 540 child care spaces will provide on-campus child care for students, faculty and staff, while also serving as training sites for students pursuing careers in early childhood education.
"This initiative will increase child care in these communities and support early learning and child care students through work-integrated learning opportunities," Saskatchewan Education Minister Everett Hindley said. "These early learning and child care centres will serve children, students, faculty and the broader community supporting our commitment to making Saskatchewan the best place to work, live and raise a family."
"Child care spaces on campuses across Saskatchewan will help children grow and help families to get ahead," Canada's Secretary of State for Children and Youth Anna Gainey said. "When early childhood education spaces are available for fees Canadians can actually afford, it supports families' financial security and lets parents build their careers in a growing workforce."
"We appreciate the provincial and federal government's investment in our campus communities and are excited to start planning for the new child care centres," Saskatchewan Polytechnic President and CEO Dr. Larry Rosia said. "The centres will enrich the learning experience for Early Childhood Education students, giving them the opportunity to practice their skills and interact with children as part of their daily learning. These vibrant education centres will also benefit students, employees and the wider community by providing child care on site."
Saskatchewan is committed to increasing access to high-quality, affordable early learning and child care for families through the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide ELCC Agreement. Since the launch of the Canada-wide ELCC Agreement in 2021, Saskatchewan has made strong progress, announcing more than 23,000 early learning and child care spaces that are now either operational or in development. This represents 84 per cent of the way toward reaching the province's ambitious target of creating 28,000 additional licensed child care spaces by March 2026, bringing high quality, affordable child care within reach for more families every day.
The agreement also continues to invest in supporting early childhood educators (ECEs). In the 2025-2026 fiscal year, up to $18.5 million is allocated to initiatives such as tuition-free ECE training seats, enhancing practicum opportunities and the delivery of over 3,000 micro-credential programs to strengthen the workforce.
More information on ECE training can be found at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/education-and-child-care-facility-administration/early-childhood-educator.
