How Much Does Daycare Cost in Regina, SK? (2026 Breakdown)

For many Regina families, childcare is one of the largest household expenses after housing. Understanding exactly what you’ll pay — and what programs exist to reduce that cost — can make a significant difference in your family’s financial planning.

This article breaks down current daycare costs in Regina, Saskatchewan for 2026, including what licensed facilities charge before and after the CWELCC fee reduction, and what additional supports are available for qualifying families.

What Are the Average Daycare Costs in Regina Without Subsidies?

Before accounting for any government programs, licensed full-time daycare in Regina typically falls within the following ranges by age group:

• Infant care (0–18 months): $1,100–$1,400 per month
• Toddler care (18–36 months): $950–$1,200 per month
• Preschool (3–5 years): $850–$1,050 per month
• School-age before & after care: $400–$650 per month

These rates reflect licensed, regulated facilities operating under Saskatchewan’s Child Care Act — centres with qualified Early Childhood Educators, inspected premises, and defined staff-to-child ratios.

Unlicensed home daycare arrangements are sometimes available at lower cost, but operate without provincial oversight, meaning no guaranteed inspections, qualifications, or safety standards.

How CWELCC Changes the Cost Picture in 2026

Saskatchewan’s participation in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) agreement has fundamentally changed the cost of licensed daycare for families in Regina.

Under the CWELCC agreement, licensed participating facilities receive direct provincial operating grants. These grants are passed directly to families in the form of fee reductions. The provincial target, established in the federal-provincial agreement, is an average net cost of $10 per day for regulated childcare by the end of the agreement period.

For a family with a child in full-time toddler care:

Care Type	Monthly Cost (Pre-CWELCC)	Monthly Cost (With CWELCC)
Infant full-time	~$1,200	Reduced to ~$200–$220*
Toddler full-time	~$1,000	Reduced to ~$200–$220*
Preschool full-time	~$900	Reduced to ~$200–$220*
School-age (before/after)	~$500	Reduced significantly*

*Actual amounts depend on the participating facility and current grant allocation. Contact your preferred daycare directly for current fee schedules.

The CWELCC reduction applies at participating licensed facilities automatically — there is no income test or separate family application required for the base reduction.

The Saskatchewan Child Care Subsidy — Additional Support for Lower-Income Families

For families with household incomes below the provincial threshold, Saskatchewan’s Child Care Subsidy can layer additional financial support on top of the CWELCC reduction.

The Child Care Subsidy is administered by the Ministry of Education and is calculated based on family income, the number of children in care, and the type of care arrangement. For families that qualify, the subsidy can reduce the net cost of daycare to significantly below the CWELCC rate — and in some cases to zero.

To apply for the Child Care Subsidy, families submit an application to the provincial Ministry of Education. The application requires income documentation and proof of enrollment at a licensed facility. Your daycare provider can typically assist with the documentation process.

Is Licensed Daycare Worth the Cost Compared to Home Daycare?

Some families consider unlicensed home daycare as a lower-cost alternative to licensed centres. While the upfront fee may be lower, there are important differences to consider:

Licensed daycares in Saskatchewan:

• Are subject to inspections by provincial licensing officers
• Must maintain regulated staff-to-child ratios
• Require staff to hold Early Childhood Education credentials
• Must follow a documented curriculum and developmental program
• Are eligible for CWELCC fee reductions

Unlicensed home daycare arrangements:

• Are not inspected or regulated by the province
• Have no mandated staff-to-child ratios
• Have no qualification requirements for caregivers
• Are not eligible for CWELCC fee reductions

When the CWELCC reduction is factored in, the cost difference between licensed and unlicensed care often narrows significantly — while the quality and safety assurances remain substantially higher at a licensed facility.

What Affects the Cost of Daycare in Regina?

Several factors influence what a family pays for licensed childcare in Regina:

Age of the child. Infant care is typically the most expensive age group due to the higher staff-to-child ratios required by regulation (1 staff member per 3 infants in Saskatchewan, compared to 1:8 for school-age programs). As children grow into toddler and preschool programs, the cost generally decreases.

Full-time vs. part-time enrollment. Most licensed facilities offer full-time and part-time enrollment options. Part-time rates are generally lower in absolute terms but higher on a per-day basis.

Facility type and program offerings. Facilities with specialized programming, outdoor learning environments, or enriched curriculum may charge at the higher end of the range.

Location within Regina. Costs can vary slightly depending on where in the city the facility is located, though the variation within Regina is generally minor.

How to Budget for Daycare in Regina

Once you account for CWELCC, the budgeting process becomes much more manageable. Here is a practical approach:

1. Confirm the facility’s current CWELCC-reduced fee. Each participating centre has a specific fee schedule. Ask for the current all-in monthly rate before making enrollment decisions.

2. Check your Child Care Subsidy eligibility. If your household income is below the provincial threshold, you may qualify for additional support. Apply early — the subsidy is income-tested and processed by the Ministry of Education.

3. Factor in ancillary costs. Some facilities charge for meals, field trips, or supplies separately. Confirm what is included in the monthly fee.

4. Plan for the waitlist. High-demand facilities, particularly for infant spots, often have waitlists of several months to over a year. Registering early avoids last-minute cost pressure from having fewer options available.

Daisy Days Daycare — Licensed, CWELCC-Approved Care in Regina

Daisy Days Daycare is a fully licensed, CWELCC-participating facility located at 2007 Potts Crescent East in Regina, SK. We have been providing regulated childcare in Regina since 2010, serving infants, toddlers, preschool-age, and school-age children.

Our current fee schedule reflects the CWELCC reduction. We encourage families to view our programs and contact us directly for current enrollment availability and fee information for your child’s age group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much is daycare per day in Regina, SK with CWELCC?

A: The provincial target under the CWELCC agreement is $10 per day on average at participating licensed facilities. Actual daily rates vary by facility and age group — contact your preferred daycare for their current schedule.

Q: Do I need to apply separately for the CWELCC reduction?

A: No. If your child is enrolled at a CWELCC-participating licensed facility, the reduced rate is applied automatically. No family application is required for the base CWELCC reduction.

Q: Can I receive both CWELCC and the Saskatchewan Child Care Subsidy?

A: Yes. Both programs can apply simultaneously. The CWELCC reduction is applied at the facility level; the Child Care Subsidy is a separate provincial benefit for lower-income families.

Q: Are all Regina daycares CWELCC-approved?

A: No. Only licensed facilities that have registered as CWELCC participants receive and pass on the fee reduction. Confirm CWELCC participation directly with any facility you are considering.