Regina—The Saskatchewan government has announced a substantial financial boost to support early childhood educator (ECE) training and professional development in the province.
In a press release last week, the government revealed that nearly $35 million will be invested over the next two years to continue providing tuition-free ECE training, development, and student financial support.
This funding, part of the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, includes up to $16.5 million for the 2024-25 academic year and up to $18.4 million for the 2025-26 academic year. The initiative aims to enhance ECE skills and knowledge across the province.
The investment will create over 4,000 tuition-free training seats within the next two years. This will allow current and aspiring educators to either begin or advance their careers in early childhood education, helping them achieve ECE Certification at Levels I, II, or III. Additionally, more than 5,300 professional development seats will be supported, enabling educators to gain the knowledge needed to excel in their roles.
From fall 2024 to spring 2026, 10 post-secondary institutions across Saskatchewan will offer free ECE training and professional development. These institutions include Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, College Mathieu, Dumont Technical Institute, and six regional colleges: Carlton Trail, Great Plains, North West, Northlands, Southeast, and Suncrest.
Since March 2021, the number of certified early childhood educators in Saskatchewan has increased by 15 percent. Notably, the number of Level III Early Childhood Educators, who are key leaders in developing age-appropriate programs for children, has grown by 30 percent.
Keleah Ostander, Vice-President of Programs and Students at Great Plains College, emphasized the growing demand for early learning educators. “The demand for early learning educators has grown exponentially as we work to ensure reliable and affordable child care across Saskatchewan, including in rural and remote areas,” Ostander said.
“By offering tuition-free early childhood education training throughout the province, in various formats, the post-secondary sector is ensuring access and creating a supply of skilled graduates to serve in child care centers. This, in turn, will allow for the expansion of child care spaces available within the province,” Ostander added.
Training and professional development opportunities include ECE certificate and diploma courses leading to ECE certification levels, advanced certificates in early childhood education, and microcredentials focused on specific skills. In addition to traditional full-time study options, a variety of accelerated, evening, online, and part-time courses are being offered to accommodate different schedules and needs.