The state of early learning centres in Saskatchewan is concerning, with many centres being understaffed and facing long waitlists. The director of First Years Learning Centre, Megan Schmidt, explains that they receive numerous inquiries from parents on a daily basis, with waitlists stretching for years. Schmidt notes that while there is quality childcare available in the province, accessibility is a major issue. The centre she oversees has a waitlist of 2,100 children, with many staying at the centre from infancy to kindergarten due to limited spots available.
Schmidt criticizes the approach taken by the government in offering more affordable childcare, stating that the implementation was done in the wrong order. She highlights that the focus was on affordability without considering where children would actually go for childcare. In 2023, Saskatchewan introduced $10 a day childcare, and in May 2024, the province received $27.7 million in funding from the federal government’s Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund to create more childcare spaces. Despite these efforts, the demand for childcare continues to outstrip the available spots in many centres.
Alexandra Jeannot, an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) worker, voices frustration with the lack of support, particularly for children with special needs. She mentions that the grants received for these children and workers are insufficient to cover salaries and training, making it challenging to retain staff. Jeannot suggests that implementing a wage grid for ECE workers could help address some of these issues and improve retention rates. She emphasizes the need for ECE workers to be recognized as professionals deserving of support from both the government and families.
The Ministry of Education in Saskatchewan has allocated $380 million to the Early Childhood Educators industry in the 2024 budget to build more centres and address staffing issues. The ministry is focused on recruiting and retaining ECE workers by providing wage enhancements and workforce enhancement grants to operators. Sameena Haque, the Ministry of Education assistant deputy minister, highlights the efforts being made to make the industry more competitive and supportive of its workforce. The ministry has also established a quality assessment committee to evaluate all centres in the province and identify areas for improvement over the next 18 months.
In conclusion, the early learning sector in Saskatchewan is facing significant challenges, including staffing shortages and long waitlists for childcare centers. While efforts have been made to address these issues, such as introducing affordable childcare initiatives and providing funding for more spaces, there is still a need for further support for ECE workers and families. The push for a wage grid for ECE workers and ongoing data collection on the industry’s operation are steps in the right direction to improve the quality and accessibility of childcare in the province. The Ministry of Education’s commitment to addressing gaps in the system and supporting operators in the field is crucial for the future success of early learning centres in Saskatchewan.
