Preschool

Preschools (also called playschools or nursery schools) comprise a significant segment of the early learning and child care sector and play a vital role in early childhood learning.  Most communities in Saskatchewan have a preschool, usually focusing on play and social interaction.  Some preschools may specialize -- for example in French language immersion or the arts.

Operations
There are no provincial regulations* in Saskatchewan guiding the operations of preschools, and no provincial funding to support preschools.  Most preschool programs offer two- to three-hour sessions for two days per week.  Programs usually begin in September or early October and end in May.

Preschools are usually operated by community groups such as parent boards, child care centre boards or community organizations.  Some preschool programs are operated privately by an individual.

A majority of programs charge a fee.  Fees vary across the province.  In parent-operated programs, fees may be reduced by volunteering and/or fund raising.

Programming varies and leaders may not have educational or early childhood education qualifications.

Finding a Local Preschool/Playschool
There is no central listing of preschool programs in the province.  To find out about local programs you may wish to contact:

• school or school division
• village, town or city municipal office
• child care centre
• recreation board
• Yellow pages in the telephone book

Preschool Survey and Resource Package
The Ministry of Education developed a preschool survey in 2009 to learn more about the strengths and needs of this sector.  The ministry also developed and distributed a free resource package for preschool educators based on the result of this survey.

If your preschool is based in Saskatchewan and you did not receive a Preschool Resource Package, please submit your request for a package to ece@gov.sk.ca.