The Government of Saskatchewan announced that anyone currently working or returning to work under Phase One, Phase Two, Phase Three or Phase Four of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan will have access to licensed child care services located within Saskatchewan schools.
This child care service is available to workers associated with businesses and services that were not directed to close and workers associated with businesses and services that are reopening as a part of Phase One, Phase Two, Phase Three and Phase Four of the Re-open Saskatchewan Plan. Priority for these spaces will be given to parents of infant, toddler, preschool or school-age children, that require care as those individuals continue to provide support in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The centres will continue to operate within the guidelines provided by the province's Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab, which include a maximum of 25 children in one defined area along with increased sanitization measures.
These child care services are for these particular workers who do not have other child care options available to them.
What services do these child care centres offer?
Child care centres offer group-based early learning and child care for young children. Child care centres are licensed and monitored by the Ministry of Education and must meet regulated standards to ensure children's well-being.
Which child care centres have spaces available and what are the hours of care offered?
Child care centres offering services may accommodate children from infancy to school-age, depending on their licensed capacity. Not all centres serve all age ranges; for example, some centres may not be able to provide care for infants or toddlers. Each centre determines hours of operation, and extended or weekend care may or may not be available.
The communities and child care centres located in schools that are offering child care spaces to employees currently working or returning to work under Phase One, Phase Two, Phase Three or Phase Four of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan are available in this list. Please refer to the space designation for each centre to determine the age ranges the centre accepts and hours of care offered.
Is there a fee for the child care service?
Yes. Each child care centre sets their own fees. Eligible workers will pay a child care fee according to the rate set by the child care centre.
How do I apply to register my child in a child care space?
The first step to apply is to complete an Application Form.
Submit the application form to essentialservices@gov.sk.ca. The Ministry of Education will receive your application form and forward it to a child care centre in your community for consideration. The child care centre will respond to your application request directly and provide further information about space availability and registration processes. Please note that the child care centre will request verification of your status as an eligible worker.
If you have questions for the Ministry of Education as you fill out your application form, or if you have questions about the services provided, please call the number for the area closest to you:
- Saskatoon (Central and Northern Region) - 306-933-6071
- Regina (Southern Region) - 306-787-4980
Where can I find out more information about COVID-19?
Up-to-date information about Saskatchewan's response to COVID-19, including symptoms, treatment and how to protect yourself can be found at saskatchewan.ca/COVID-19.