Daycare and Schooling in Saskatoon

Introduction

Education and childcare are among the major concerns for families newly arriving in Saskatoon.
Understanding the structure of the education system and childcare options in Saskatchewan will help you make better decisions for your children.

Daycare

Childcare for Pre-School Aged Children

In Canada, children under school age (under 5 years old) are typically enrolled in daycares or preschools.
Daycares are generally divided into two categories:
- Licensed Daycare Centres: Facilities regulated by the provincial government.
- Home Daycares: Smaller childcare services operated in private homes.

Important Notes About Daycares:

Waitlists for daycares in Saskatoon are often very long — sometimes registration must be done months or even years in advance.
Costs vary depending on the center and the child’s age, usually ranging between $500 to $1,000 CAD per month.
Some centers offer subsidies or discounts for low-income families.
To apply, you generally need to:
Complete the center’s registration form.
Provide the child’s identification and vaccination records.

It is strongly recommended to start the daycare registration or waitlist process immediately after arriving in Saskatoon.

School System in Saskatoon

Educational Structure in Saskatchewan

Public education becomes mandatory at age 5 (Kindergarten).
The school system is divided into two main types:
- Public Schools under Saskatoon Public Schools (SPSD).
- Catholic Schools under Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools (GSCS).

Both school systems are open to all students regardless of religious affiliation.

Key Points About Schools

Topic	Details
Grade Placement	The child’s age determines their school grade, not the grade completed in the home country.
English Language	Special English as a Second Language (ESL) programs are available for non-English-speaking students.
Registration	Requires immigration documents, vaccination records, and proof of address.
School Calendar	The academic year typically starts in early September and ends in June. There are two one-week breaks (apart from Christmas break).
Tuition	Public schooling is free for permanent residents or work/study permit holders. The approximate fee for visitors is $16,000 per year.

Special Programs in Schools

French Immersion: Some schools offer education primarily in French starting from early grades.
SAGE Program: Specialized programs for gifted students starting from Grade 5.
ESL (English as a Second Language): Support programs for students whose first language is not English.
International Baccalaureate (IB): A rigorous two-year pre-university curriculum for students aged 16-19, designed to prepare them for higher education and develop well-rounded individuals
Advanced Placement (AP): Offers college-level courses and exams to high school students, allowing them to earn college credit and demonstrate academic readiness.

Overall, Saskatoon offers good quality education, and most schools maintain a high standard of learning.

Conclusion

Finding a suitable daycare may take time; it is advisable to start registration or join waitlists immediately upon arrival.

Saskatoon’s public schools offer diverse opportunities for academic development, and registration is free for residents.

Familiarizing yourself with the educational structure and promptly beginning the registration process will help your children adapt more easily to their new environment.

Disclaimer

The information provided in these resources is intended for informational purposes only, and its accuracy is not guaranteed. The Saskatoon Iranian Cultural Association accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of the content or any consequences resulting from the use of the provided information.

These resources are the property of the Saskatoon Iranian Cultural Association and may be freely referenced, provided that a link to the corresponding page on the Association’s website is included.

Daycare and Schooling in Saskatoon