Saskatchewan Childcare Regulations Explained 2026 — What Parents Need to Know About Licensed Daycare

When choosing a childcare provider in Regina SK, understanding what provincial regulations require of licensed centres can make a significant difference in your ability to evaluate and compare your options. Licensed daycares in Saskatchewan are governed by the Child Care Act, 2014 and its associated Child Care Regulations—a comprehensive framework that sets minimum standards for safety, staffing, programming, and facility requirements. Daisy Days Daycare at 2007 Potts Crescent East, Harbour Landing, South Regina SK operates in full compliance with all provincial licensing requirements.

Key takeaways

• What the Child Care Act, 2014 Requires
• Staff-to-Child Ratio Requirements in Saskatchewan
• ECE Educator Certification Requirements
• Criminal Record Check Requirements
• Facility and Safety Standards

What the Child Care Act, 2014 Requires

Saskatchewan’s Child Care Act, 2014 is the primary legislation governing all licensed childcare centres in the province. Under this Act, licensed facilities must:

• Obtain and maintain a provincial licence issued by the Ministry of Education
• Operate within the conditions of their licence at all times
• Submit to unannounced compliance inspections by provincial licensing officers
• Maintain records of attendance, licensing, and incident reporting
• Comply with regulations on nutrition, medication administration, safe sleep, and emergency procedures

Staff-to-Child Ratio Requirements in Saskatchewan

One of the most parent-relevant regulatory standards is the required educator-to-child ratio. In Saskatchewan, licensed daycare centres must maintain these minimum ratios:

• Infants (0–18 months): 1 educator to 3 children
• Toddlers (18 months–3 years): 1 educator to 5 children
• Preschool (3–5 years): 1 educator to 10 children
• School-age/BASC (5 years +): 1 educator to 15 children

These are minimum—not maximum—requirements. High-quality licensed centres like Daisy Days maintain these ratios consistently and may exceed them in certain program areas. Ask any centre you evaluate whether they meet or exceed these ratios at all times, including during breaks, transitions, and educator absences.

ECE Educator Certification Requirements

In Saskatchewan, a proportion of staff in licensed childcare centres must hold a recognized Early Childhood Education (ECE) credential, typically a Certificate or Diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution. Staff who are working toward their certification may be employed in provisional status while completing their training.

Ask prospective daycares: What percentage of your educators hold full ECE credentials? What is your policy for staff who are still in training? These questions reveal the depth of professional investment a centre makes in its team.

Criminal Record Check Requirements

All adults who work in a licensed childcare centre in Saskatchewan—including educators, volunteers, and administrative staff—are required to hold a criminal record check with a vulnerable sector screen. This is a mandatory condition of licensing and is verified through the provincial licensing inspection process. At Daisy Days, all staff maintain current criminal record checks as required by law.

Facility and Safety Standards

Licensed childcare facilities in Saskatchewan must meet standards for:

• Indoor square footage per child
• Outdoor play space (fenced, age-appropriate equipment)
• Ventilation, lighting, and temperature requirements
• Kitchen and food handling standards
• Emergency evacuation plans and fire drill records
• First aid kits and trained first aid responders on site
• Approved sleep equipment for infants

What This Means for You as a Parent

Regulatory compliance gives you the foundation of confidence you need to leave your child in the care of a licensed facility. At Daisy Days Daycare, we go beyond minimum compliance—we are committed to continuous quality improvement in our programming, our educator professional development, and our parent communication practices. When you choose licensed, regulated care at Daisy Days, you choose a protected, inspected, accountable environment for your child.

Book a Tour at Daisy Days Daycare, Regina SK

Contact us at (306) 807-3233 or info@daisydaysdaycare.com to book a tour and ask about our licensing history, educator credentials, and how we meet and exceed Saskatchewan’s childcare regulatory standards.

Address: 2007 Potts Crescent East, Regina, SK S4V 2E5

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