How to Apply for the Saskatchewan Inclusion Program

By GrantHub Research Team · · Lire en français

How to Apply for the Saskatchewan Inclusion Program

If you run a licensed childcare business in Saskatchewan and support children with diverse needs, you may face extra staffing and accommodation costs. These can strain your budget. The Saskatchewan Inclusion Program helps cover these added costs so children can participate fully in care settings. The program is currently open and offers up to $24,000 per eligible childcare provider.

This guide explains who can apply, what the program funds, and how to apply step by step.


Understanding the Saskatchewan Inclusion Program

The Saskatchewan Inclusion Program is run by the Government of Saskatchewan, Ministry of Education. It gives financial support to childcare providers that include children with diverse needs in their programs.

Key program details:

  • Funding amount: Up to $24,000 per provider
  • Purpose: Help cover the costs of including children with diverse needs in a childcare setting
  • Who administers it: Saskatchewan Ministry of Education
  • Status: Open
  • Jurisdiction: Saskatchewan
  • Repayment: Non-repayable grant (no repayment required)

This funding is meant for inclusion, not for general business expenses.


Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Eligibility focuses on your role as a childcare provider and the needs you support.

You may be eligible if you:

  • Run a licensed childcare facility in Saskatchewan
  • Provide care for children with diverse or additional needs
  • Have extra costs to support inclusion, like staffing or special resources

The program is for childcare providers only. Parents or families cannot apply directly.

If you manage more than one location, funding is usually looked at per provider or site. Check how your setup is treated before you apply.


What Costs Does the Program Cover?

The Saskatchewan Inclusion Program pays for direct inclusion-related expenses. These are costs that only happen because you support children with diverse needs.

Common eligible expenses include:

  • Extra staff or higher staff-to-child ratios
  • Special supports or accommodations in the childcare setting
  • Resources needed for individual inclusion needs

The program does not cover general business costs. Expenses must be tied to inclusion outcomes.

To learn more about what costs are covered by grants, read:
What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?


Application Steps

Applying is straightforward, but strong documentation matters.

Step-by-step application process

  1. Check your eligibility
    Make sure your childcare operation is licensed in Saskatchewan and you support children with diverse needs.

  2. List inclusion-related costs
    Write down the specific supports, staff, or accommodations you are asking funding for.

  3. Gather required documents
    You may need program plans, cost breakdowns, and proof of inclusion needs.

  4. Send in your application
    The Ministry of Education reviews applications. Timelines depend on how complete your application is.

If you want to see if this and other Saskatchewan programs fit your business, GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help.


Required Documentation

Having the right documents ready makes your application stronger. Common requirements include:

  • Proof of your licensed childcare facility status
  • Program plans showing how you support inclusion
  • Detailed cost breakdowns for the supports you need
  • Evidence of the specific needs of the children you serve

Check the Ministry of Education website for the latest list of required documents.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying for general business costs
Funds must be for inclusion-related expenses, not rent, utilities, or unrelated wages.

Missing cost details
Vague budgets cause delays. Clearly break down staffing hours, supports, and timelines.

Assuming all expenses are eligible
Only costs directly tied to inclusion are covered. Review the guidelines before applying.

Waiting too long to apply
Funds may be limited. Early, complete applications are reviewed faster.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Saskatchewan Inclusion Program?
It is a provincial funding program that helps childcare providers cover the cost of including children with diverse needs. The goal is to support inclusive childcare environments across Saskatchewan.

Q: Who can apply for the Inclusion Program in Saskatchewan?
Licensed childcare providers in Saskatchewan that support children with diverse needs may apply. Parents and families do not apply directly.

Q: How much funding can I receive?
Eligible providers can receive up to $24,000 in funding. Final amounts depend on assessed needs and eligible costs.

Q: What expenses are eligible under the program?
The program covers costs directly related to inclusion, such as extra staff or special accommodations in a childcare setting.

Q: How long does it take to receive funding?
Timelines vary based on application review and completeness. The Ministry of Education looks at each application individually.


Next Steps

If you support children with diverse needs, the Saskatchewan Inclusion Program can help make inclusion possible for your childcare business. GrantHub tracks active provincial programs like this one and helps you find funding options that match your services and location.

You may also find these guides helpful:

  • How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules
  • What expenses are eligible under regional economic development grants?

Finding the right funding starts with knowing where your business fits.

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