To meet the needs of a growing province, the Government of Saskatchewan is encouraging residents to consider the idea of operating a licensed child care business right in their own home.
“As part of our government’s Plan for Growth, we are committed to increasing the number of quality early learning and child care opportunities in Saskatchewan,” Deputy Premier and Education Minister Gordon Wyant said in a recent release. “Grant money, professional supports and training opportunities are all being offered to assist new licensed home-based child care providers get their business started.”
Andrew Sedley, executive director at SIGN in Yorkton said providing home-based chidl care that is licenced might be a good fit.
“For a lot of people that may be beneficial,” he said, adding it can create a home-business which can be a good option for someone with their own child to already care for.
“And, it helps out families that are needing child care.”
Sedley said in that regard more spots are definitely needed in Yorkton, noting at SIGN’s Early Learning Centre they have a waiting list of 53.
At present there are seven licenced home daycares in Yorkton providing 57-spaces
The results of a recent survey of existing licensed home-based child care providers in Saskatchewan shows that people may not be aware of the many government supports available to them. Under the Canada-Saskatchewan Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, funding has been provided for the creation of new licensed child care home spaces in Saskatchewan, with 1500 spaces the goal across the province.
Caregivers who would like to start a licensed home-based child care business in Saskatchewan have access to:
• grant money to help with start-up and food costs;
• training and workshops;
• assistance from educated child care consultants; and
• inclusion in government materials provided to parents seeking child care.
Sedley said the government licencing “has a lot benefits” including peace of mind for users that home-based facilities have met certain criteria.
“They’re really in place to ensure children receive quality care,” he said.
Details on grants available, training, eligibility and how to apply can be found on the Government of Saskatchewan website at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/entrepreneurs-start-or-exit-a-business/start-a-business/managing-a-child-care-business/start-a-licensed-family-child-care-home.
