Saskatchewan Daycare Playbook 2025

The search for childcare in Saskatchewan can feel like a full-time job. This playbook reduces the noise with a clear timeline, province-specific context, and simple next steps so you can move forward without refreshing waitlist emails all day.

If you want the data behind the stress, start here: Childcare Waitlists in Canada (What the Data Says).

If you are deciding between regulated and unregulated care in Saskatchewan, read this first: Regulated vs Unregulated Child Care in Saskatchewan (A Parent-Friendly Guide).

If you are searching for under-6 care and trying to understand the $10/day fees, start here: Saskatchewan $10-a-Day Child Care Fees (What It Covers and What to Ask).

The Journey at a Glance

Phase	When to start	What you’ll accomplish
Map the landscape	9-12 months before care	Understand licence types, ratios, and neighbourhood supply
Shortlist with intention	6-9 months before care	Pick programs that match your schedule, commute, and values
Apply and follow through	3-6 months before care	Submit requests, track responses, and stay top of mind
Prepare for day one	1-3 months before care	Finalise paperwork, ease into routines, and confirm backups

Use the phases as anchors. If you are already into your pregnancy or parental leave, simply jump to the phase you are in and work forward.

Phase 1: Map the Landscape

1. Get clear on care types. Saskatchewan has both regulated and unregulated options. Regulated programs have licences reviewed regularly and follow provincial rules. Unregulated providers are not monitored the same way, but still have limits on the number and ages of children they can care for. If you want the plain-language version (plus what to ask), use this guide: Regulated vs Unregulated Child Care in Saskatchewan (A Parent-Friendly Guide).
2. Pick your geography first. Choose two anchor points (home, work, school) and search around both. Many families end up accepting a first-year commute they did not originally plan for, so it helps to be honest about what is realistic.
3. Write down your non-negotiables. Start with hours, commute, age group, and food needs. Then add values (outdoor time, play-based, language) so you are not making decisions from memory after your fifth tour.

Pro tip: The Government of Saskatchewan’s Early Years and Child Care pages are a useful reference for ratios and regulated care basics. Blueberry helps you turn that knowledge into a shortlist quickly.

Phase 2: Shortlist with Intention

1. Build a real shortlist. Aim for at least 10 providers if you are searching for an infant or toddler spot. Eight can work, but it leaves less room for timing surprises.
2. Read between the lines. Reviews often mention intangibles like communication style or nutrition details. Look for mentions of stability, educator tenure, and how teachers support transitions.
3. Plan tour routes. Stack tours on the same day to minimise time off. Use our tour companion to capture impressions while they are fresh: Saskatchewan Daycare Tour Companion.
4. Prep your questions. Focus on routines (“How do naps work?”), communication (“How will I hear about my child’s day?”), and logistics (“When are payments due?”). Bring printable checklists for caregivers to complete if they are comfortable.

Phase 3: Apply and Follow Through

1. Apply to more than one place. If you can, apply to at least five programs you would genuinely use. Many families do not land a spot by applying to one or two.
2. Track every interaction in one place. Log who you spoke with, what they said, and when you plan to follow up. Blueberry can do this, but a simple notes app or spreadsheet works too.
3. Follow up on a schedule. A short email every four to six weeks keeps you from falling off the radar, without annoying directors. If you want emails that sound like a human, use: Daycare Waitlist Email Templates (Canada).
4. Keep backup care ready. Even with best efforts, overlaps happen. Research part-time care, relatives, or nanny-shares that can bridge any gaps.

Phase 4: Prepare for Day One

1. Confirm all paperwork. Request orientation packages early. Forms like immunisation records or direct-deposit information can take a week or two to gather.
2. Ease into the routine. Start waking up on “daycare time” and practice the commute at rush hour. Short practice visits help your child get used to the environment.
3. Create a goodbye ritual. A consistent drop-off routine builds security. Think hugging at the classroom door, a special high-five, or a tiny note tucked into the cubby.
4. Check emergency contacts. Make sure every emergency contact understands expectations and has building access if required.

Use Blueberry as Your Control Centre

• Shortlist fast: Save providers from multiple neighbourhoods so you are not relying on memory.
• Compare clearly: Keep your notes in one place, especially after tours.
• Follow up consistently: Set reminders so you are not guessing when you last checked in.

A good next step

If you are in Saskatchewan, start with your local hub and build a shortlist from there:

• Browse Saskatchewan daycares
• Browse Regina daycares
• Browse Saskatoon daycares

Then shortlist 10 options and send your first outreach batch in one sitting. Start here: Start your daycare search.

Sources

• Government of Saskatchewan: Child Care in Saskatchewan (ratios and regulated care basics)