REGINA — The benefits of early childhood education are the foundation of a variety of programs in Saskatchewan, and May has been proclaimed as Early Childhood Education Month to recognize those who develop and deliver those programs.
May 14 is Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Appreciation Day.
"Early childhood educators are the heart of our child care system," Saskatchewan Early Childhood Association Interim Executive Director Ashley Elgert said.
"Every day, they show up with care, creativity and deep commitment to the children and families they support. We are pleased to see the ministry respond to what we and others in the sector have long advocated for - dedicated time for professional development. These changes are a meaningful step forward in valuing ECEs and investing in their continued growth, while recognizing the essential role they play in Saskatchewan communities."
The Government of Saskatchewan has updated the Child Care Licensee's Manual to provide more opportunities for ECEs by providing all regulated child care facilities two days per licensing year for professional development.
In addition to this update, to align with the requirements for family and group home child care operators, changes introduced to The Child Care (Grants) Amendment Regulations, 2025, will require all staff working in child care centres to complete a minimum of six hours of professional development annually.
Early childhood educators are critical to an expanded, high-quality regulated child care system and work in regulated child care centres and homes, pre-kindergarten classrooms, the Early Childhood Intervention Program and Early Years Family Resource Centres, states Saskatchewan Social Services in a press release.
In the coming weeks, Saskatchewan residents will see a public awareness campaign focused on a career in early childhood education and the role they play in shaping young minds during their most formative years. Learn more by visiting: www.saskatchewan.ca/early-childhood-educator.
