REGINA — The government of Saskatchewan is offering financial assistance to individuals seeking early childhood educator (ECE) training and professional development.
Over the next two years nearly $35 million will be allocated to continue to deliver tuition-free ECE training, development and student financial support, said the government in a press release last week.
Through the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, up to $16.5 million in the 2024-25 academic year and up to $18.4 million in the 2025-26 academic year will support ECE skills and knowledge.
The additional funding will create more than 4,000 tuition-free training seats over two years. This will allow current and future educators to advance or start their career in early childhood education and obtain their ECE Certification Level I, II or III. The investment also supports more than 5,300 professional development seats, helping educators gain knowledge to excel in their roles.
From fall 2024 to spring 2026, 10 post-secondary institutions across Saskatchewan will provide free ECE training and professional development, including: Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, College Mathieu, Dumont Technical Institute and six regional colleges - Carlton Trail, Great Plains, North West, Northlands, Southeast and Suncrest.
The number of certified early childhood educators in Saskatchewan is growing, with a 15 per cent increase since March 2021. This includes a 30 per cent growth in the number of Early Childhood Educators Level IIIs, who work as leaders to support developmentally appropriate programs for the children in their care.
"The demand for early learning educators has grown exponentially in an effort to ensure reliable and affordable child care is in place throughout Saskatchewan including in rural and remote areas," Great Plains College Programs and Students Vice-President Keleah Ostander said.
"By offering tuition-free early childhood education training throughout the province in a variety of delivery methods, the post-secondary sector is creating access and ensuring a supply of skilled graduates will be available to serve within the centres and allow for expansion of child care spaces available within the province."
Training and professional development opportunities range from ECE certificate and diploma courses leading to an ECE certification level, advanced certificates in early childhood education and microcredentials to build skills in specific areas. In addition to traditional full-time study options, there are a wide range of accelerated, evening, online and part-time options being offered.
Train for a career as an ECE or explore options leading to a higher ECE Certification level by visiting the 10 post-secondary institutions' websites:
