It’s 2025, and Saskatchewan is still dragging its feet on funding full-day kindergarten. While provinces like Ontario and British Columbia have embraced it, Saskatchewan, along with Alberta, Manitoba, and Nunavut, remains stuck in the past. And for what reason?
The data is crystal clear: full-day kindergarten gives kids a better start. Studies worldwide show that children who attend full-day programs are more likely to reach key milestones, like reading at grade level by the third grade. It’s not just about early academics; it’s about giving kids more time to develop social skills, confidence, and a love for learning.
Parents and educators across Saskatchewan know this. Zeba Ahmad, CEO of the Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation (SPSF), put it best: full-day kindergarten is one of the strongest tools we have to set children up for success. Yet, instead of making the investment, the province continues to treat kindergarten as a half-day stepping stone to Grade 1.
But ask any parent—half-days just don’t cut it. Grandma Sharon Strongarm hit the nail on the head when she questioned how much kids can really learn in just a few hours. Not only that, but half-day programs create massive headaches for working parents. Imagine juggling childcare for a half-day schedule when you have a full-time job. It’s unrealistic, and it places an unnecessary burden on families.
For the past four years, SPSF has stepped up where the government has not, funding full-day kindergarten in 25 Saskatoon schools through a $20-million initiative. That funding runs out in June 2026, and while the foundation is working to secure donors, this shouldn’t be their responsibility in the first place. Education should be a public priority, not something left to charities and private donors to patch together.
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations has made it clear—many First Nations communities already offer full-day programming because they recognize its value. Dr. Lillian Gadwa-Crier, who has worked with children both on and off reserves, sees firsthand how essential early learning is. If these communities can make it work, why can’t the province?
When asked about the lack of funding, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education defended its decision, calling half-day kindergarten a “positive transition” to Grade 1. That sounds more like an excuse than a valid reason. Other provinces have successfully integrated full-day kindergarten, so what’s stopping Saskatchewan?
With the current childcare agreement set to expire in March 2026, now is the time to push for change. If we want Saskatchewan’s children to have the best start possible, we need to demand better. Call your MLA, talk to your school board, and make it clear that full-day kindergarten isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
