ADULT BASIC EDUCATION

Essential Skills for Indigenous Early Childhood Education
Level 1

Program Description

The Essential Skills for the Workplace & Indigenous Early Childhood Education Level 1 in-person program is a three-course program that includes essential skills for the workplace training and a practicum. Combined, this program delivers the basics in Early Childhood Professional Education in alignment with provincial Early Childhood Education (ECE) standards. The program includes three core Level 1 ECE courses rooted in Indigenous worldviews, perspectives, history, literature, engagement with Elders, and land-based education practices. The Essential Skills for the Workplace portion of the program provides experiences for you to develop foundational literacy, life, workplace essential skills, and an introduction to INECE. The intent of the Essential Skills for the Workplace INECE Level 1 program is to:

• Work together to make positive life changes beyond the classroom
• Focus learners to upgrade their skills
• Provide Essential Skills for the Workplace training
• Provide training to meet the requirements for ECE Level 1 certification in Saskatchewan

Together, the program will give you the foundational beginnings to begin a career as an early learning childcare educator/provider.

*SIIT does not currently offer upgrading.

Admission Requirements

Acceptance Policy

SIIT provides preferential admission to applicants who are of First Nation’s ancestry; however, SIIT programs are open to everyone, and all application will be considered. SIIT relies on section 56 of The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018 to provide preference to applicants who are of First Nations’ ancestry.

Permanent Resident Applicant Information

SIIT is not currently legislated to accept International Students. You must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident to apply.
For Permanent Resident applications we will request the following documentation:

• Copy of Permanent Resident Card
• International Qualifications Assessment (IQAS) International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) | Alberta.ca Your high school/secondary education credentials must be assessed through this service.
• Canadian Language Benchmark – English Assessment of CLB 7. We will accept either International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic or Canadian English Language Proficiency Program (CELPIP) – General.

Tuition, Fees, and Funding

Tuition and Fees

There is no cost to attend Adult Basic Education programs at SIIT. Once accepted, program staff will help you to secure Education and Training Incentive (ETI).

Additional Fees: U-Pass for Saskatoon and Regina Transit Bus Passes

Funding

Depending on your status, different forms of financial assistance are available to you. Please click here to explore options for funding. If you require assistance finding funding, please contact supportservices@siit.ca.

What to Expect

Length of Program

• Full time
• 6 hours of class per day, 5 days a week
• 75 Days
• 450 hours of daytime instruction.

Delivery Method

This program will consist of instructor-led classes which will encompass the theory of each course, and will include lectures, discussions, assignments, in-class review topics, and hands-on experience.

Program Delivery Dates

• Fall Term – August 31st to December 18th, 2026.
• Winter Term – January 11th to May 11th, 2027.
• Note: Students will register in either the Fall or Winter Term. Not both.

Academic Policy

Students attending must adhere to SIIT Academic & Student policies, which are available on the mySIIT dashboard on the SIIT website.

Attendance Policy

• Regular attendance is essential for academic success. Each program has specific attendance requirements that must be adhered to in order to graduate. In order to graduate from this program, an attendance rate of 90% or better is required.
• If you have been approved for funding, you must maintain the attendance required by your sponsoring agency to remain eligible to receive payment.

Evaluation

The passing grade is 50% for each of the courses: INECE 105, 110, 115 & ESWP 001.
To graduate from the program, you are required to have an overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 60%. In addition, you must also successfully complete the Essential Skills for the Workplace training, including your practicum placement.

Graduation Requirements and Credential

Upon successful completion of ESWP INECE Level 1, you will receive a SIIT Certificate of Achievement and can apply for their ECE Level 1 certification with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education.

Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities & Salaries

Completing the Essential Skills INECE Level 1 program at SIIT will prepare you to look to enter careers in Early Childhood Education or pursue post-secondary programs in the related field. Applicants will be eligible to apply for their Saskatchewan certification in Early Childhood Education Level 1 (ECE Level 1). Those who receive their ECE Level 1 certification can work over 65 hours or more per month in a childcare centre.

Transfer Credit

If you have gained credit for one or more level 1 ECE courses through an alternate post-secondary institution, you may transfer that credit. Transfer credit policy and guidelines apply. For more information, please reach out to the Admissions Team at admissions@siit.ca or 306-477-9325.