Early Childhood Educator Training and Financial Supports

The province has invested in accelerated and remote tuition-free training and professional development opportunities at 10 post-secondary institutions across Saskatchewan aimed at individuals upgrading their skills towards ECE certification and building their skills to support children and families.

Opportunities also include post-diploma certificate opportunities, micro-credential professional development courses, Autism Spectrum Disorder learning opportunities and dual credit options for high school students.

In order to find relevant courses, search “early childhood educator” or look under the post-secondary health and community services section of the following websites, or contact the institution directly:

• Saskatchewan Polytechnic
• Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT)
• Collège Mathieu
• Dumont Technical Institute
• Carlton Trail College
• Great Plains College
• North West College
• Northlands College
• Southeast College
• Suncrest College

Each post-secondary institution has its own enrolment policy, course timetable, eligibility and application process. Each institution decides if courses will be offered online/virtually or in person. Tuition-free seats are limited and are prioritized using the following criteria:

1. Saskatchewan citizens or permanent residents who are currently working in a regulated child care facility in Saskatchewan.
2. Individuals with work permits who are currently working in a regulated child care facility in Saskatchewan.
3. Saskatchewan citizens or permanent residents who would like to enter the Early Learning and Child Care sector.
4. All other applicants living in Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan has made the following investments into grants to support educators working in child care facilities while they work and study:

Training Support Grant

Child care facilities with educators participating in a formal education training opportunity may be eligible to receive the Training Support Grant. This grant is intended to support costs for a substitute or alternate child care provider while an educator pursues studies leading to an Early Childhood Educator I, II or III or post-diploma certificate. In this way, educators can maintain their current wage levels while they are provided time-off to pursue formal education, and the facility will be supported with wage replacement costs (e.g., hourly wage and employer deductions) for substitutes or alternate child care providers.

Facilities can apply for the Training Support Grant for eligible training courses taken on or before June 30, 2025. Eligible facilities must apply for the grant by March 31, 2026.

Skills Enhancement Grant

Child care facilities with educators (centre staff, child care home providers or assistants) participating in the Autism Certificate of Achievement or approved micro-credentials may be eligible to receive a Skills Enhancement Grant.

Facilities can apply for the Skills Enhancement Grant for eligible professional development opportunities taken on or before August 31, 2025. Eligible facilities must apply for the grant by March 31, 2026.

• Training Support and Skills Enhancement Grant Information Sheet
• Training Support Grant Application
• Skills Enhancement Grant Application

Individuals who work in a regulated child care facility who are unable to access tuition-free training opportunities may qualify to be reimbursed for tuition fees and the cost of required books for courses in early childhood education that are successfully completed by a person for the purpose of meeting the requirements of The Child Care Regulations, 2015.

Child Care Application for Tuition Reimbursement

Students who take early childhood educator dual credits simultaneously earn high school and post-secondary credits. They can also qualify to become an Early Childhood Educator Level I. This will help them find part-time or summer work in their home community while in high school. It will also qualify them for full-time employment in a regulated child care facility after graduation.

Students can register for this dual credit opportunity tuition free through Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Building the Future: Opportunities for Early Childhood Educators initiative and Collège Mathieu.

Bursaries for ECE study are available at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Collège Mathieu and Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) as a result of investments under the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is providing bursaries to Year Two ECE diploma students. Students will receive a $16,000 bursary paid in two $8,000 instalments, one in October, and again upon successful completion of their final practicum. Bursaries are also available to support students to relocate outside of Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert for practicums and for students requiring emergency financial support. Learn more on the Sask Polytech administered awards: Ministry of Education Grant: Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Childcare Agreement.

Collège Mathieu offers the Diplôme d’éducation à la petite enfance program. Participants can qualify for up to $3,500 in scholarships for each year of study completed.

SIIT is providing between $500 and $1,000 per student in bursaries for completion of ECE Levels I, II and III, practicums and the Indigenous Early Childhood Education Advanced Certificate. Individuals interested in learning more about these opportunities should contact SIIT.