After implementing the Early Learning and Child Care Agreement as part of the 2021 budget, Saskatchewan is becoming one of the first provinces to start reducing costs. (Government of Saskatchewan/Facebook)

By Rachel May

Reduce childcare costs

Nipawin daycare already has lower fees offered

Mar 7, 2023 | 1:31 PM

Yesterday, The Government of Saskatchewan announced $10 a day childcare for all regulated childcare in the province beginning on April 1.

Saskatchewan is becoming one of the first provinces to implement reduced costs following the Early Learning and Child Care Agreement as part of the 2021 budget.

The original goal for $10 a day childcare was targeted to happen in 2025-2026. Parents with children who are under the age of six and attend regulated childcare can expect a total of $217.50 for full-time enrolment.

Although this is great news for parents in the province, a spokesperson from Nipawin Community Daycare said they have already been operating at reduced costs.

“We have been running with $10 a day childcare fees for nearly a year now. Because our original fees were slightly lower than other daycares in the province we reached that goal last year,” Michelle Blanche with Nipawin Community Daycare said.

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This makes Nipawin Community Daycare part of the 33 per cent of daycares to hit the provincial target ahead of time, so they aren’t expecting any substantial changes.

Although the daycare does recognize that there is still the problem of waiting lists for all childcare providers.

“Until childcare spots are increased across the province we suspect that this will continue to be a challenge for parents needing childcare,” Blanche said.

A total of 19,790 regulated childcare spaces are operational in the province as of Dec. 31, 2022.

To help create more spaces for childcare in the province, wage enhancements are being offered up to $5 an hour. This is in addition to free training and education for early childhood educators.

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Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM