Released on May 1, 2017
The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed May as Early Childhood Education Month and May 15 as Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day.“Giving Saskatchewan children a good start in life is incredibly important to their future, so let’s all take some time this month to thank those who dedicate their careers to providing quality early learning experiences in our province,” Deputy Premier and Education Minister Don Morgan said. “I encourage all parents of young children, and those expecting, to learn about how they can support healthy development for their child at home and access provincial programs and services available to them.”
The government’s 2017-18 budget continues to invest in early years, including:
- $55.8 million for child care funding. 889 new spaces will be created, including 810 spaces at the 18 new joint-use schools in Saskatoon, Regina, Warman and Martensville;
- $20.1 million to support 316 Prekindergarten programs for more than 5,000 three- and four-year olds and an additional $7.2 million for other related expenses including transportation and school-based support;
- $15.53 million for KidsFirst programs that help parents living in vulnerable circumstances raise healthy children;
- $3.95 million for Early Childhood Intervention Programs that support children from birth to school-age who are experiencing developmental delays; and
- $2.3 million to address child and family hunger through the Child Nutrition Program.
On May 15, Saskatchewan will celebrate Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day. The province has thousands of Early Childhood Educators working in child care centres and homes and early learning programs.
The Saskatchewan Early Childhood Association (SECA) is a membership-based non-profit organization that promotes professional development opportunities for Early Childhood Educators and advocates for the importance of early learning and those working in the profession.“Early Childhood Educators positively influence the developmental growth of children and their future success,” SECA Interim Executive Director Georgia Siourounis said. “May is dedicated to the appreciation of these programs and educators. I encourage everyone to engage in conversation with an Early Childhood Educator to learn what these programs mean to them.”
Residents can find information about early years programs, the Saskatchewan Early Years Plan and licensed child care at www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/family-and-social-support/child-care.
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For more information, contact:
Stephanie Ali
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6304
Email: stephanie.ali@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-533-6391