SECA Update on Recent Ministry Announcements

Yesterday, the Ministry of Education shared several documents about upcoming changes to the early years sector. These changes are meant to support stability and long term sustainability in Saskatchewan’s regulated child care system. SECA welcomes the chance to share these updates with our members and to explain how they connect to the priorities we regularly raise based on what we hear from the sector.

SECA’s advocacy is based on the experiences of licensed child care centres and licensed family child care homes across Saskatchewan. When we speak about programs or facilities, we are intentionally referencing both. Homes and centres share many common pressures, even while operating in different ways, as well as unique concerns. SECA makes an active effort to ensure all voices of the sector are heard.

Many of the concerns and priorities outlined above have also been raised through Ministry of Education implementation committee meetings, where SECA participates alongside representatives from the sector. These discussions allow SECA and providers to hear from the ministry officials about work in progress, results achieved and ask questions directly as well as share our feedback, raise implementation considerations, and support collaborative approaches as changes are planned and introduced.

We recognize that some of the changes will require adjustment and that not all programs will experience these changes in the same way. For some, there may be financial impacts as funding approaches shift. We understand these concerns and acknowledge the uncertainty that transition can create.

At the same time, we see these actions as part of a larger move toward a child care system that is more consistent, stable, and fair. It is important to recognize the significant progress the sector has made since the initial Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care agreement was signed. Saskatchewan has seen strong growth in licensed spaces, the early childhood educator workforce, and overall investment in child care. These new changes such as aligning funding with licensed capacity, clearly defining core services, and applying policies more consistently across homes and centres are important steps toward building a strong system for the future.

SECA is encouraged to see several long standing advocacy priorities reflected in today’s announcements, including:

Steps toward more equitable funding across licensed programs

With the changes introduced over the years of the CWELCC agreement, SECA has long advocated for a funding that is more consistent and fair across licensed homes and centres. The Ministry’s decision to align funding more closely with licensed spaces reflects this shared focus on consistency and equity across the system. SECA understands that this shift may result in reduced revenue for some programs, particularly those that previously received multiple grants for children sharing the same space at different times. While this change will require adjustment, programs will continue to receive full parent fee grant funding for each licensed space and may still collect the parent portion of the fee when children attend at different times. Aligning funding with licensed capacity is an important step toward reducing variation across programs and supporting a more balanced system over time.

Recognition of the costs of extended hours care

Based on what we hear from programs offering extended hours, SECA has advocated for flexibility that recognizes higher staffing and operating costs. The introduction of a standard day, with an optional fee for extended hours, reflects this feedback and gives programs more options to support sustainability.

Support for programs with lower fees

SECA has raised concerns that long standing programs with lower fees often face greater financial pressure. Adjustments for these programs help reduce funding gaps in the sector. We recognize that this approach will not support every program that is under financial strain. However, it is a positive step, and SECA will continue to advocate for additional support where it is needed.

A focus on stabilizing current programs

SECA has consistently emphasized the importance of supporting existing licensed programs. The focus on sustainability and more careful planning for future growth reflects what homes and centres across the province have shared with us.

Ongoing support for training and leadership development

SECA has advocated for ongoing support for educator training and leadership development. Continued investment in these areas recognizes their importance to a strong child care system.

Together, these steps reflect advocacy priorities raised by SECA on behalf of licensed child care homes and licensed child care centres. They represent progress toward a more stable, fair, and sustainable child care system in Saskatchewan.

While there are positive steps forward, SECA knows there is more work to be done.

We will continue to advocate for priorities that are shared across the sector, including:

·         Ongoing work on fair, transparent, and sustainable funding framework for licensed child care programs

·         Stronger workforce supports, including benefits and pension options for early childhood educators

·         Ongoing work on fair and equitable wages to support recruitment, retention, and consistency

·         Ongoing attention to the financial realities facing programs under pressure

·         Clear, timely, and consistent communication with the sector as changes are developed and implemented

These areas remain central to creating a child care system that supports children, families, educators, and program operators across Saskatchewan.

SECA remains committed to working together with government and sector partners.  We engage in regular meetings with the Minister and senior officials at the ministry to bring sector priorities forwards. These announcements show that this work is paying off as much of our feedback and advocacy is reflected in the recent announcements. Building a strong child care system takes time and ongoing conversation. We appreciate your continued input and engagement.

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Your voices guide our advocacy and help ensure the sector is heard as the child care system continues to grow and change.