The Early Childhood Development (ECD) Strategy is a major interdepartmental initiative of the provincial government, funded by the federal government. Its goal is to improve outcomes for Saskatchewan children, ensuring they grow up to become well functioning, contributing members of society. This is achieved by assisting families to become independent and self-sufficient, capable of taking responsibility for the healthy development of their children. The ECD Strategy is an investment in the future of the province.

The KidsFirst program was designed as a component of the overall ECD strategy. KidsFirst is a community based network of supports and services that focuses on the healthy growth and development of children and supports the primary role of families. Funding for KidsFirst has been directed to communities where the need is greatest - that is, where the greatest concentration of vulnerable families exists across the province.

Moving Forward: Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan sign an agreement on Early Learning and Child Care (April 29, 2005 News Release) - Historic Signing - On Friday, April 29, 2005, the governments of Saskatchewan and Canada signed a bilateral agreement in principle to enhance early learning and child care in Saskatchewan. The Federal government will provide Saskatchewan with $22 million in 2005/06 and the province will develop a made-in-Saskatchewan plan that is based on the Federal framework. More information is available in the backgrounder, Federal Government news release and the agreement in principle.

Early Childhood Development Branch
2220 College Avenue
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
S4P 3V7
Tel: (306) 787-5077
Fax: (306) 798-0787