The Early Learning Intensive Support (ELIS) pilot program, currently offered in Regina and Saskatoon, is spreading to five additional communities, Moose Jaw included.
This expansion brings the total number of available spots for preschool age children with the need for intensive support to 170, provincewide; Moose Jaw will be receiving four spots in the Prairie South School Division and two spots in the Holy Trinity School division, for a total of six spots in the city.
Prince Albert will be given 28 spots, and North Battleford, Swift Current, and Yorkton will share the remainder of the new spaces. The selection for expansion was based on the preschool age demographic in the community.
Prekindergarten programs receiving the spots are chosen by the school board in each city, and the funding provided will be used to develop additional support for children with intensive needs, such as hiring educational assistants and accessing specialized resources. The pilot program’s goal is to create an inclusive learning environment for all children in the classroom.
The Early Learning and Child Care Agreement is providing more than $2 million in funding for this program, in addition to other early childcare programs provincewide.
