How to start a preschool in Saskatchewan

Starting a preschool or early learning centre in Saskatchewan, Canada, offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the foundational development of young children. As a province, Saskatchewan places significant emphasis on quality early childhood education and care, regulated by the Early Years Branch within the Ministry of Education. Aspiring operators will navigate a clear licensing process designed to ensure high standards of safety, care, and educational programming. The provincial government, through various initiatives and funding opportunities, actively supports the expansion and enhancement of licensed child care spaces. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the requirements, costs, and resources available to help you establish a successful early learning setting in Saskatchewan, whether you are planning a small home-based operation or a larger purpose-built centre. Understanding the provincial regulations and leveraging available support will be crucial for a smooth and effective launch.

Regulations

Health safety: Licensed child care facilities in Saskatchewan must adhere to stringent health and safety standards. This includes developing and implementing safeguarding policies to protect children (general). Protocols for medication administration, immunisation tracking, and illness exclusion are critical to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Facilities are also required to have clear procedures for incident reporting to the licensing authority (general). These measures ensure a safe and healthy environment for all children in care, aligning with provincial public health guidelines. Regular inspections by the Ministry of Education help enforce these vital health and safety provisions.

Licensing overview: In Saskatchewan, early learning and child care programs are primarily regulated by the Early Years Branch within the Ministry of Education, encompassing licensed child care centres and regulated family child care. The licensing process ensures facilities meet provincial standards for health, safety, and educational quality. Regulated facilities receive government funding and subsidies, promoting accessible and affordable childcare. Unlicensed providers can care for up to eight children in their homes but do not receive government funding. Part-day preschool (nursery school) programs are exempt from licensing if restricted to three hours per day and they are not funded. Inspection cadences are part of the ongoing regulatory oversight to maintain compliance.

Licensing authority: Saskatchewan Ministry of Education, Early Years Branch

Staff qualifications: Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) working in licensed child care centres in Saskatchewan must hold an ECE Certification from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education. There are three levels: ECE I, ECE II, and ECE III. An ECE I certification is the minimum requirement for staff working 65 hours or more per month. Certification can be achieved by completing a recognised early childhood education program or demonstrating an equivalent amount of course credit units. The Ministry assesses courses for relevance to child development, programming, relationships, and related subject areas. Background checks are a standard requirement for all staff in regulated settings (general). Ongoing training is encouraged to maintain and enhance professional practice (general).

Facility requirements: Specific facility requirements in Saskatchewan for licensed childcare centres include adherence to health, safety, and fire codes (general). While precise square footage per child ratios are not detailed in the provided sources, regulated facilities are expected to provide adequate indoor and outdoor space conducive to play and learning (general). The design and layout of the facility must support the implementation of developmental programs and ensure the well-being of children. This often includes considerations for natural light, ventilation, age-appropriate equipment, and safe outdoor play areas (general). Ratios for fixtures such as washrooms are typically prescribed to accommodate the number of children in care (general).

Curriculum requirements: Saskatchewan's early learning framework guides the development of programs in licensed child care settings. The curriculum should focus on play-based opportunities that are determined by children’s interests, fostering positive early learning and child development outcomes. Educators are expected to guide and facilitate exploration and discovery, individualising programs to meet the unique learning needs and dispositions of each child. This includes programming for children with intensive needs, ensuring inclusive early learning environments. The framework incorporates key subject areas such as child development, programming, and relationships, promoting holistic growth in intellectual, social-emotional, physical, and spiritual domains. While not explicitly named EYFS, NQF, or NEP, the principles align with internationally recognised early childhood education standards emphasizing holistic, play-based learning.

Startup costs

Startup costs in Saskatchewan vary significantly. A small home-based or rented-suite operation may incur lower costs, primarily for renovations, initial equipment, and licensing fees. For a larger purpose-built centre accommodating 60-100 children, expenses will be substantially higher, covering land acquisition, construction or major refurbishment, extensive equipment, and higher staffing costs. Location, facility size, and the extent of renovations or new construction are the primary drivers of this variation. Ongoing operational costs will encompass staff salaries, utilities, rent/mortgage, supplies, insurance, and food services.

Timeline

1. Initial Planning & Business Case Development (2-4 months): This crucial first step involves thorough market research to identify demand in your chosen Saskatchewan community, developing a detailed business plan including financial projections, and exploring potential locations. During this phase, you should also begin to familiarise yourself with the regulatory framework outlined by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education, Early Years Branch, and identify potential funding opportunities. Engaging with Co-operatives First for those considering a cooperative model can also occur here.

2. Licensing Application & Facility Preparation (4-8 months): Once a suitable location is identified, this stage involves submitting your licensing application to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education. This includes ensuring your facility meets all provincial requirements concerning health, safety, and building codes. You will need to prepare the physical space, acquiring and installing age-appropriate equipment, ensuring proper safety measures, and meeting any specified square footage requirements. This period also involves securing necessary permits from municipal authorities in Saskatchewan.

3. Staff Recruitment & Certification (2-3 months): Recruiting qualified Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) is vital. All ECEs working 65 hours or more per month in a regulated centre must hold Saskatchewan Ministry of Education ECE Certification (Level I, II, or III). This phase involves advertising, interviewing, and verifying the credentials of your prospective team members. Ensuring all staff undergo mandatory background checks and receive any necessary initial training before the centre opens is also critical for compliance.

4. Final Inspections & Opening (1-2 months): Prior to opening, your facility will undergo final inspections by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education and other relevant authorities to confirm compliance with all regulations. This includes health inspections and fire safety checks. Once all approvals are granted and the licence is issued, you can commence operations. This final stage also involves marketing your centre to prospective families and enrolling children.

5. Ongoing Operations and Compliance (Ongoing): Maintaining ongoing compliance with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education's regulations is continuous. This includes regular staff training, adhering to health and safety protocols, maintaining accurate records, and participating in scheduled or unscheduled inspections. Continued engagement with the Ministry and adaptation to any updated guidelines ensures the long-term success and quality of your early learning centre in Saskatchewan.

6. Cooperative Childcare Specific Steps (Varies): For those looking to establish a childcare cooperative in Saskatchewan, additional steps include incorporating as a cooperative, developing bylaws, and engaging with organisations like Co-operatives First for guidance and resources. This path often involves community engagement and shared decision-making among parents, community members, and other stakeholders. Co-operatives First provides workbooks and direct support for this specific model.

Next steps: explore the IPC curriculum, read about preschool enrollment, or browse all start-a-preschool guides.

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary regulatory body for early learning centres in Saskatchewan?

In Saskatchewan, the primary regulatory body for early learning centres is the Early Years Branch within the Ministry of Education. They are responsible for overseeing licensed child care centres, regulated family child care homes, and setting the standards for early childhood education and care across the province. All licensing applications, inspections, and compliance matters are managed through this branch, ensuring that facilities meet provincial health, safety, and educational guidelines.

Are there specific staff certification requirements in Saskatchewan?

Yes, in Saskatchewan, staff working more than 65 hours per month in a regulated child care centre must hold an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Certification from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education. There are three levels of certification: ECE I, ECE II, and ECE III. ECE I is the minimum requirement, which can be achieved through program completion or equivalent credit units in subject areas like Child Development, Programming, and Relationships, as assessed by the Ministry.

Can I operate an unlicensed childcare in Saskatchewan?

Yes, in Saskatchewan, you are legally permitted to operate an unlicensed childcare if you care for up to eight children in your home. However, it is important to note that unlicensed providers do not receive government funding, unlike their licensed counterparts. Additionally, part-day preschool (nursery school) programs are exempt from licensing if they are restricted to three hours per day and are also not eligible for government funding.

What kind of government funding is available for childcare facilities in Saskatchewan?

Saskatchewan offers various government funding opportunities for licensed childcare facilities. These include space creation grants to help build new licensed childcare spaces, start-up grants to assist with initial operational costs, and ongoing operational grants paid directly to facilities to support affordable childcare. The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan have also signed bilateral agreements to invest in improving access, inclusivity, and quality of child care, including support for training additional early childhood educators.

What is a childcare cooperative and how can I start one in Saskatchewan?

A childcare cooperative in Saskatchewan is a licensed childcare space collaboratively created and managed by parents, community members, and other stakeholders. Organisations like Co-operatives First provide support for establishing these. This includes guidance on incorporation, setting up the business, and navigating the unique aspects of a cooperative structure. Various government funding, such as space creation, start-up, and operational grants, are available to support cooperative childcare initiatives, making it a viable option for increasing childcare spaces in the province.

What are the early learning curriculum expectations in Saskatchewan?

Saskatchewan's early learning curriculum emphasizes play-based programming that supports positive early learning and child development outcomes. The Ministry of Education guides licensed facilities to create programs individualized to children's interests and learning needs. This includes a focus on holistic development across intellectual, social-emotional, physical, and spiritual domains. The curriculum also addresses inclusive programming for children with intensive needs, ensuring all children benefit from developmentally appropriate activities and interactions within a supportive environment.