Best Time to Start Daycare in Saskatchewan in 2026 | Daisy Days Guide

If you’re planning childcare for your family in Regina SK, one of the questions you’ll face is: when is the best time to start daycare? The answer depends on your parental leave situation, your child’s age, daycare availability, and family readiness. Here’s a practical guide to timing your daycare start in Saskatchewan.

Parental Leave and Daycare Timing in Saskatchewan

Most Saskatchewan families time their daycare start around the end of parental leave. Under EI’s extended parental leave (18 months), many families begin daycare when their child is 12-18 months old. Under standard parental leave (12 months), children often start at 6-12 months. Some families return earlier due to work requirements; others extend leave using vacation or unpaid leave.

Whatever your parental leave situation, contact your preferred licensed daycare as early as possible — ideally while pregnant — to secure a spot for your target start date. Infant daycare waitlists in Regina SK can be 6-18 months long.

Seasonal Timing Considerations for Starting Daycare in Saskatchewan

Fall Start (September-October) — Most Common

September is the most common start month for daycare in Saskatchewan — it aligns with new school years, new program groups, and Kindergarten transitions. The downside: highest demand, most competition for spots, and immediate transition into Saskatchewan’s cold season.

Winter Start (January-February) — Often Overlooked

January starts are underrated. January spots are often more available due to December turnover (families with Kindergarten-age children starting school or families with flexible timing). Children have 6 months to adjust before the next September cohort arrives.

Spring Start (April-May)

Spring starts work well for families with mat leave ending in spring. A spring start gives children the summer programming months to fully settle before autumn.

Summer Start (June-July) — Underused Option

Summer starts at licensed daycares in Saskatchewan offer extended outdoor play during the adjustment period — which many children find easier than the structured indoor winter routine. Summer enrollment is often more available at centres like Daisy Days Daycare. Summer childcare programming at Daisy Days Daycare.

Is Your Child Ready? Signs of Readiness by Age

• Under 12 months: Always ready from a developmental standpoint — quality infant care supports development at all ages
• 12-24 months: Separation protest is typically at its peak — plan for a longer adjustment period
• 2-3 years: Language development makes transitions easier as children can express feelings; peer play is becoming important
• 3-5 years: Cognitively and socially, this is an ideal time — peer relationships and Kindergarten preparation make group care highly beneficial

Are YOU Ready as a Parent?

Parent readiness matters too. Dropping off a young child is emotionally demanding in the early weeks. Plan to feel some guilt, grief, and worry — this is normal and shared by virtually all first-time daycare parents. Having a trusted, quality licensed daycare team makes the parental transition dramatically easier. Read: What to expect your child’s first week at daycare.

Contact Daisy Days Daycare to discuss your target start date.
306-807-3233 | info@daisydaysdaycare.com | 2007 Potts Crescent East, Regina SK S4V 2E5