Early Childhood Educator Training and Financial Supports
The original Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement signed with the federal government spanned April 2021 to March 2026. One of the key pillars in this agreement was quality. This included the recruitment and retention of early childhood educators (ECEs), who work in regulated child care centres.
To support the recruitment and retention of ECEs, the Ministry of Education established funding agreements with post-secondary institutions for tuition-free ECE training and professional development.The tuition-free training resulted in:
- 6,500 training seats and 3,700 professional development seats being offered; and
- A 52 per cent increase in the number of certified ECEs between March 2021 and December 2025, including an 84 per cent increase in the number of ECE Level IIIs, far exceeding the 15 per cent target in certified staff per in the agreement.
1. ECE Training and Professional Development Opportunities
Starting in the 2026-27 academic year, the focus will be on supporting the workforce at the entry level (ECE Level I) and on leadership training through Saskatchewan Early Childhood Association. The shift from broader tuition-free training will allow additional funding to be directed toward core operating costs for the sector.
The Child Care Regulations, 2015, require individuals to hold a minimum of an ECE Level I to work for more than 65 hours per month. Supporting the delivery of tuition-free ECE I training will continue and allow those who are currently working in the sector with no certification to meet minimum training requirements and work full-time in a child care centre.
At this time, the Ministry of Education plans to maintain the Tuition Reimbursement Grant to support ECE training in the province. The grant is available for individuals who work in a regulated child care facility to assist with tuition and book costs for courses required toward ECE certification. Child care employers apply for tuition reimbursement on behalf of their ECE staff who have successfully completed post-secondary courses that lead to certification as an ECE I, II or III.
More information will be available about course offerings when a five-year Action Plan for the Extension Agreement is in place.
There may be some tuition-free opportunities still available for the 2025-2026 academic year until June 2026 at the academic institutions below.
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:
2. Qualifying for Tuition-free Training and Professional Development Opportunities
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:
- Saskatchewan citizens or permanent residents who are currently working in a regulated child care facility in Saskatchewan.
- Individuals with work permits who are currently working in a regulated child care facility in Saskatchewan.
- Saskatchewan citizens or permanent residents who would like to enter the Early Learning and Child Care sector.
- All other applicants living in Saskatchewan.
3. Reimbursement of Tuition for Training
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.
4. Dual Credit Opportunities for High School Students
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 can 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 dual credit opportunities through Saskatchewan Polytechnic (scroll to ECE 106, ECE 146 and HUMD 183) and Collège Mathieu.
5. Bursaries
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, while funding is available until March 2027.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic is providing bursaries to Year Two ECE diploma students. 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.