October 10, 2023 – The Saskatchewan Ministry of Education has provided $1.6M to the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma program for student bursaries. Bursaries will cover enrolment costs including tuition, books and fees, in addition to costs associated with living in rural or remote locations, general living expenses and emergent costs that support students completing the program.
“Early childhood education plays a vital role in supporting and developing future generations across the province. This funding from the Ministry of Education will support students in the ECE diploma program and help grow the pool of qualified early childhood educators in Saskatchewan,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO.
Three bursaries are available, including a $10,000 tuition bursary for year two students offered in two installments of $5,000, one at the beginning of year two and again upon graduation. A practicum bursary of up to $2,500 is also available for year one and two students that are commuting to or relocating for practicums outside of Regina, Saskatoon or Prince Albert. Students can also access an emergency bursary to support unexpected and urgent needs.
“These bursaries will remove barriers and reduce financial burdens for our students allowing them to focus on their studies, successfully complete the program and secure employment in childcare,” says Su Polley, acting academic chair for the School of Human Services.
This investment in the Sask Polytech ECE program is a significant step towards ensuring that the province has a well-trained and qualified workforce in the field of early childhood education. The Ministry of Education's support for the program will help to create a brighter future for Saskatchewan's children and families.
"The Government of Saskatchewan is dedicated to supporting a qualified early years workforce and attracting more people to become Early Childhood Educators.” Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. "We are proud to contribute these bursaries, as an investment in Early Childhood Education is an investment in the futures of Saskatchewan’s youngest learners.”
Students do not need to apply for funding. Bursaries will be administered through March 2026 to domestic students and permanent residents enrolled in the Sask Polytech ECE diploma program. For more information on the program, visit the ECE diploma program webpage.