Federal Funding for Early Learning and Child Care
Saskatchewan has signed five-year extensions to the Canada-Saskatchewan Bilateral Early Learning and Child Care Agreement and the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, as well as a one-year extension on the Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund. All extensions take effect on April 1, 2026.
View past Government of Saskatchewan and the Government of Canada agreements.
1. Canada-Saskatchewan Early Learning and Child Care Agreements
Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement
Building on the 2021-22 to 2025-26 Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, Saskatchewan and Canada have renewed their commitment through an extension that will invest more than $1.5 billion over five years beginning in 2026-27, based on the principles of affordability, access, inclusivity and quality.
This five-year extension agreement, effective April 1, 2026, allows for the continuation of $10 a day child care for children under six and expands coverage to children who turn six while in Kindergarten so they can continue with $10 a day care until the end of the school year.
Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund
The Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund (2023-24 to 2025-26) provided $19.1 million to increase the inclusion in early learning and child care for underserved communities and was extended for an additional year (2026-27) in November 2025, with additional funding of $8.6 million.
Canada-Saskatchewan Bilateral Early Learning and Child Care Agreement
The Canada-Saskatchewan Bilateral Early Learning and Child Care Agreement has been in effect since 2017-18. The agreement has been extended to March 31, 2031 to ensure continuity of programs and services with an estimated funding of $107 million.
2. Investments Supported Through the Agreements
Investments through the Agreements have resulted in more child care options, new programming options that allow for greater access and flexibility for families and improved quality in our early learning and child care sector. The funding supported the creation of:
Regulated Child Care Centre and Family Child Care Home Spaces
Saskatchewan has achieved 92 per cent of the targeted early learning and child care spaces set in the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement as of December 31, 2025. From April 1, 2021, to December 31, 2025, there has been a 146 per cent increase in the number of early learning and child care spaces.
Expansion of Early Childhood Educators
Saskatchewan’s approach to support the recruitment and retention of early childhood educators has resulted in a 52 per cent increase in the number of certified early childhood educators working in the sector between March 2021 and the end of 2025, including an 84 per cent growth in the number of Early Childhood Educators Level IIIs, who work as leaders in providing developmentally appropriate programs for the children in their care.
In addition, there has been a 43 per cent increase in the average wage of certified early childhood educators between March 2021 and December 2025.
Family Resource Centres
Saskatchewan has partnered with the federal government to create family resource centres in various communities.
Information can be found at Community Programs for Families with Young Children.
Early Learning Intensive Support (ELIS) Program
Saskatchewan has supported inclusive early learning and child care opportunities for young children requiring intensive supports by creating Early Learning Intensive Support (ELIS).
More information is available in the Early Learning Intensive Support Program brochure.
Children Communicating, Connecting and in Community
Funding continues to support early learning opportunities for preschool aged children who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Read more about the Children Communicating, Connecting and in Community program.
3. Results and Reports
As committed under the federal-provincial agreements, Saskatchewan reports the annual results of the investments.
- View the Can-Sask Bilateral ELCC Agreement Reports
- View the Can-Sask ELCC Workforce Agreement Reports
- View the Can-Sask ELCC Agreement Reports
An update on the province’s progress towards the actions within the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement was shared with the federal government in December 2022.