YORKTON, Sask. – People interested in pursuing a career in early childhood education can now access tuition-free training toward their Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Level 1 certification through Suncrest College, thanks to funding from the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan.
Suncrest College has been approved to provide tuition coverage for the three courses that make up the requirements for Level 1 certification in Saskatchewan: ECE 106, ECE 142 and HUMD 183. The initiative will provide tuition coverage for up to 30 eligible students between July 2026 and March 2027.
“This is a great opportunity for people who are interested in early childhood education to get started without the added financial barrier of tuition,” said Shanley Allard, manager, Post-Secondary Education.
“Qualified early childhood educators play an important role in supporting children, families and communities, and we want to make this training accessible to more people throughout our region.”
Suncrest currently offers part-time ECE programming at its Melfort, Tisdale and Yorkton campuses. The hybrid format combines face-to-face instruction with online learning and home study, allowing students to balance their education with work and family responsibilities.
Learners in Suncrest’s ECE programs come from communities throughout the region, including Carrot River, Nipawin, St. Brieux, Kamsack, Red Earth Cree Nation, Cumberland House, Melville and many others.
“This flexible approach makes it possible for students to access training close to home while completing portions of their coursework online,” said Allard.
“Whether someone is already working in child care or considering it as a future career, this is an opportunity to gain valuable skills and take the first step toward ECE certification.”
Suncrest says it will continue working with child care providers and communities throughout its region to promote the opportunity and connect interested individuals with available seats. The college also has established relationships with child care providers in First Nations communities and will share information with communities throughout its catchment area.
January intake now accepting students
The next opportunity to begin the full ECE Level 1 training will be in Melfort in January 2027. Suncrest is also exploring opportunities to provide tuition coverage to eligible students who recently began Level 1 courses in Yorkton. The next Level 1 course in Yorkton starts on Nov. 25.
The Tisdale Level 1 offering has been successfully completed.
Anyone interested in pursuing ECE Level 1 certification is encouraged to contact Suncrest College to learn more about available seats and how to apply.
There are a limited number of tuition-covered seats available, with up to 30 eligible students able to access the opportunity.
