The Ministry of Education in Saskatchewan distinguishes the following features of an Early Childhood Program: environment, conversations and play.
Environment and conversations are major components of holistic education, or holistic learning.
Holistic assessments consider learning that happens both inside and outside the classroom. The assessments happen by way of conversations, between the educator and the child.
Play-based learning, is one of the most important styles of learning in the early years, along with experiential learning and inquiry based learning. The holistic approach to education enables all three by discovering information about the child that would otherwise remain hidden.
2023-2024 Education Budget Announcement
The Ministry of Education in Saskatchewan is increasing its investment in schools, early learning, child care, and libraries to $3.1 billion this fiscal year, up $192.8 million from last year.
Holistic Early Learning
In order to support all their students in learning recovery, Saskatchewan is collecting reading data from students in grades 1 to 5.
It will allow educational professionals to create specialized reading plans for students who need it. Every early learner will be met at their individual skill levels.
Mandatory kindergarten?
No
Early Childhood Education Announcement
The Government of Canada will provide $1.1 billion to Saskatchewan to support early learning and child care. It’s a part of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreements between the federal government and the various provinces or territories.
Two of the principles of the agreement are inclusivity and quality.
On inclusivity, children from diverse populations will be supported with access to high-quality early learning programs. There will be a lot of work done with First Nations and Métis partners to ensure Indigenous children have access to affordable, high-quality, and culturally appropriate early learning.
On quality, a qualified workforce will be built to support the developmental outcomes of young children.