Moving to Saskatoon or Regina With Kids: The Childcare Guide

A move to Saskatchewan comes with real upsides for families — shorter commutes, more house for the money, and $10/day regulated child care for under-6s. It also comes with one trap that catches relocating parents constantly: daycare waitlists here commonly run 12 to 21 months, and most families don't discover that until they arrive.

The fix is simple, if unintuitive: start applying before you move.

Yes, you can join waitlists from another city

Most Saskatchewan providers will add you to their waitlist by email or an online form with nothing more than your contact details, your child's age, and your expected start month. You generally do not need a local address, a job letter, or a deposit to join a list (a few centres charge a small waitlist fee — ask first).

So the moment your move becomes likely — offer signed, posting confirmed, house hunt started — that's your application date.

Step 1: Pick your search zone before you pick your house

Childcare is scarcer than housing. Savvy relocating families flip the usual order:

1. Browse providers in the neighbourhoods you're considering — Regina and Saskatoon directories are free.
2. Note where the clusters of regulated centres and licensed homes actually are.
3. Weigh that against your likely workplace commute. A daycare on the way to work beats a slightly nicer one across town, every single morning.

Step 2: Apply broadly, from wherever you are

From your current city, in one afternoon:

• Build a shortlist of 15–20 providers that fit your commute, hours, and budget.
• Email each one: your expected start month, your child's age, and a request to join the waitlist. Mention you're relocating — directors deal with this all the time. (Templates here: waitlist email templates.)
• Track every application and reply. Follow up every four to six weeks — from any postal code.

Blueberry Premium compresses this into one sitting: a ranked shortlist around your new address, one-click outreach, and a follow-up tracker.

Step 3: Tour when you land (or on a house-hunting trip)

If you visit before the move, book two or three tours in a day — bring the tour checklist. If not, many directors will do a video call. Touring moves you from "name on a list" to "family we know", which matters when a spot opens.

What's different about Saskatchewan care

• $10/day fees apply to regulated care for children under six — a major saving versus most provinces. Details in our fees guide.
• Regulated vs. private matters for subsidy eligibility and oversight — the plain-language guide covers what actually changes.
• July 2026 funding changes are reducing part-time and casual spots at many centres, so full-time arrangements are becoming the default. More in our explainer.

The relocating parent's checklist

• Move likely? Start the shortlist that week.
• 15–20 waitlist applications sent, from your current city.
• Tracker running; follow-ups every 4–6 weeks.
• Tours booked for your first weeks (or video calls sooner).
• Backup plan for the gap: licensed home care, casual spots, or a temporary nanny share.

Welcome to Saskatchewan — now go get on those lists: start your shortlist.