How Child Care Works In Saskatchewan

What is the difference between regulated child care and child care that is not regulated?

Regulated Child Care

Whether provided in a child care centre or a family child care home, regulated child care is monitored by the Ministry of Education, Early Years Branch.

Regulated centres and family child care homes meet and maintain specific standards stated in The Child Care Act, 2014 and The Child Care Regulations, 2015.

Staff in regulated Child Care Centres are certified Early Childhood Educators (ECE), except for staff who are undergoing training for their ECE certification.

Criminal Record Checks and Vulnerable Sector Checks will have been completed on all adults living in the home prior to becoming regulated.

Effective April 1, 2023, all parents with children under the age of six in a regulated child care centre or home are eligible to receive child care for $10 per day or $217.50 per month. The reduced fees apply to all children under the age of six occupying an infant, toddler, preschool or school-age space. This is thanks to the Governments of Saskatchewan and Canada’s Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

Unregulated Child Care

Caregivers that are not regulated by the Ministry of Education are still required to meet certain standards such as the proper ratio of child to caregiver and to provide a safe environment.

To report concerns about health, safety or quality of care in a child care facility, call toll free 1-855-824-9419.

If you suspect a criminal offense at a child care facility, contact the police immediately.

How many children can be in a child care facility?

The Child Care Regulations, 2015 identify the maximum number of children one person can be responsible for at any one time. The number depends on the ages of the children. These numbers apply to both regulated and unregulated child care centres and family child care homes.

In Child Care Centres:

One worker can care for a maximum of three infants, five toddlers, 10 preschool age children or 15 school age children except in specific circumstances identified in the regulations.

In Family Child Care Homes:

Whether regulated or not regulated, one provider may care for a maximum of eight children. Five of these children may be infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children, of which only two may be infants and toddlers. If three infants and toddlers are in care, all other children must be of school age.

All combinations listed in the table below are permitted within the eight-child limit.

Infant/Toddler 6 Weeks-29 Months	Preschool 30 Months-Kindergarten	School Age Grade 1-13 Years
3	0	5
2	3	3
2	2	4
2	1	5
2	0	6
1	4	3
1	3	4
1	2	5
1	1	6
1	0	7
0	5	3
0	4	4
0	3	5
0	2	6
0	1	7
0	0	8

How do I choose the best child care for our family?

It's important to find a good "match" when looking for a child care provider. Take some time to identify your needs, your child's needs, and your priorities for child care.

Set up an interview and visit the centre or family child care home. Discuss your expectations with the potential care providers, and check references before deciding which service to use.

List of important questions to ask potential caregivers

How do I find regulated child care?

You can obtain a list of regulated child care centres and family child care homes by contacting the Child Care Regional Office closest to you, or follow the link below for a map of regulated child care in your community.

Regulated Child Care Homes and Centres

The Ministry of Education does not keep a list of child care that is not regulated.

How much does regulated child care cost?

Through the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, Saskatchewan is working to enhance the existing early learning and child care system through fee reductions for parents of children under age six. Effective April 1, 2023, all parents with children under the age of six in a regulated child care centre or home are eligible to receive child care for $10 per day or $217.50 per month. The reduced fees apply to all children under the age of six occupying an infant, toddler, preschool or school-age space.

Families with children enrolled 10 days or more per month will pay a child care fee of $217.50 per month. Families with children enrolled fewer than 10 days per month will pay a child care fee of $10 per day.

How can I access financial support for child care expenses?

The new Saskatchewan Employment Incentive (SEI) program provides working families who have lower incomes with a monthly financial employment incentive, Supplementary Health Benefits, access to discount bus passes (where available), connections to employment through Immigration and Career Training and access to the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit through the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation. The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) program is no longer accepting applications and is being replaced by the SEI.

Current CCS clients will continue to receive benefits over the next year as long as they continue to meet CCS eligibility criteria. Social Services will work with eligible CCS clients to support them as they transition to the new program.

What is the government's role in regulating child care in Saskatchewan?

The Ministry of Education:

Regulates and monitors child care centres and family child care homes to establish/ensure a minimum standard in regulated child care facilities.
Issues a licence, which is posted for viewing parents.
Provides grants to assist with the costs of developing or operating non-profit child care services.
Investigates complaints of over-enrollment in child care that is not regulated to ensure children are protected from the risk associated with too many children and too few caregivers.
Provides financial assistance to families to assist with the costs of regulated child care.
Promotes the inclusion of children and families with diverse needs within each child care service.
Provides information, education and consultative supports to individuals and communities to assist in identifying or developing services appropriate to their needs.
Coordinates service delivery and promotes integration of services for children and families.
Provides current listings of child care homes and centres in communities across the province.

Who can I contact if I have a complaint or concerns about child care?