People interested in a career in early childhood education (ECE) can now access tuition-free training through Suncrest College, thanks to funding from the federal and provincial governments.
The college has been approved to provide tuition coverage for the three courses required to earn Early Childhood Educator Level 1 certification in Saskatchewan.
Up to 30 eligible students will be able to access the funding between July 2026 and March 2027.
“This is a great opportunity for people who are interested in early childhood education to get started without the added financial barrier of tuition,” said Shanley Allard, Manager of Post-Secondary Education.
Suncrest currently offers part-time ECE programming at its campuses in Melfort, Tisdale and Yorkton.
The hybrid delivery model combines classroom instruction, online learning and home study, allowing students to balance education with work and family commitments.
The college says students in its ECE programs come from communities across the region, including Carrot River, Nipawin, St. Brieux, Kamsack, Red Earth Cree Nation, Cumberland House, Melville and others.
Suncrest plans to continue working with child-care providers and communities throughout its service area to promote the program and fill available seats.
The college says it will also share information with First Nations communities through its existing partnerships with child-care providers.
The next opportunity to begin the full ECE Level 1 program will be in Melfort in January 2027, with applications now being accepted.
The next Level 1 course in Yorkton begins Nov. 25, 2026.
College officials encourage anyone interested in obtaining ECE Level 1 certification to contact Suncrest College for information on available seats and eligibility requirements.