CHILD CARE CENTRES RECEIVE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDING

The Government of Saskatchewan is once again offering child care facilities funding to provide professional development opportunities for staff and board members. Since the grants were introduced in 2009, early childhood educators, centre directors, board members, cooks, family child care home providers and their assistants, have accessed a variety of professional development opportunities to enhance the quality of care provided to children.

"The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes that high-quality early childhood experiences contribute significantly to young people's future success," Education Minister Russ Marchuk said. "Professional development for licensed child care staff and board members helps ensure children have the best possible care during such an important time in their development."

More than $675,000 in grant funding is available for licensed child care facilities based on the number of child care spaces to a maximum of:

• $3,500 for centres with 61-90 spaces; 
• $2,500 for centres with 31-60 spaces; 
• $1,500 for centres with 30 or fewer spaces;
• $600 for licensed group homes (an increase of $200 from last year); and 
• $300 for licensed homes.

Those eligible to apply for the grant through their facility include:

• early childhood educators of all levels working in licensed child care centres, family child care homes or group family child care homes; 
• assistants employed in group family child care homes; and 
• board members serving on a licensed centre's board of directors.

Grants are provided to reimburse costs associated with attending professional development events such as workshops or conferences held in the province.

Facilities can contact their Ministry of Education child care consultant for application information.

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For more information, contact:

Leya Moore
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca