May 01, 2018

Early Learning Intensive Support Pilot Accepts First Students

The Early Learning Intensive Support Pilot is now operational and the first 12 students have begun attending Prekindergarten programs in Regina and Saskatoon.  Announced in March, with funding through the Canada-Saskatchewan Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, the Early Learning Intensive Support Pilot provides additional space in existing Prekindergarten programs in Regina and Saskatoon for children who require intensive supports.

“We are very pleased to see the first students participating in this pilot,” Deputy Premier and Education Minster Gordon Wyant said.  “This is great news for families with children who require intensive supports, as they can now experience the benefits of Prekindergarten.  High-quality early learning programs give children a good start in life and help ensure they reach their full potential.”

“Every child deserves high-quality and inclusive early learning and child care, especially young children who require intensive supports to meet their full potential, as well as those who are living in vulnerable circumstances,” said Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.  “To that end, I am thrilled to see that investments from the Canada-Saskatchewan Early Learning and Child Care Bilateral Agreement have helped create the Early Learning Intensive Support Pilot.”

This fall, the pilot is expected to provide spaces for up to 36 children in both the Regina and Saskatoon Public School Divisions and spaces for up to 20 children in both the Regina and Saskatoon Catholic School Divisions, for a total of up to 112 spaces.  The pilot provides funding to hire additional educational assistants to create inclusive classrooms that support the meaningful participation of all students.  Applications are currently being received and it is anticipated the pilot will be at full capacity this fall.

“Regina Public Schools is grateful to the Government of Canada for the funding and the Ministry of Education for the support of the Early Learning Intensive Support Pilot,” Regina Public Schools Student Achievement Deputy Director Darren Boldt said.  “This pilot program affords us with the ability to provide additional support for preschool-aged children with intensive needs and allows us to create more learning opportunities for our youngest learners so that they can make smooth transitions to kindergarten and into elementary school.”

More information on the Early Learning Intensive Support Pilot can be found at this link:

Applications can be made directly to school divisions at the following links:

Additionally, the Government of Saskatchewan will be creating early programming to support preschool-aged children who are deaf or hard of hearing in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert.  Those programs will begin as early as fall 2018.