Launch Your Saskatoon Child Care Services Business Today
This page gives aspiring operators a practical map to start a licensed child care service in Saskatoon (NAICS 624410). You’ll find a clear overview of what licensing requires, the permits you’ll file, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from plan to opening. We outline the 11 requirements you must meet to qualify for a license, plus the foundational steps for your facility and program.
What you’ll learn: the exact path from idea to operation — from staff qualifications and background checks to safety standards, ratio rules, policies, inspections, and ongoing record-keeping. We break down the 11 requirements in plain language, explain which permits are needed, estimate typical startup and ongoing costs (licensing fees, facility setup, insurance, and training), and map out a practical timeline so you can stay on track.
Why Saskatoon? This growing city offers a family-friendly community and practical local guidance for early learning providers, making it a welcoming place to launch a high-quality child care service. With supportive resources and a steady demand for caring, reliable care, you can build a strong foundation.
Requirements Overview
Starting a child care service in Saskatoon requires obtaining the Saskatchewan Child Care Centre Licence or the Saskatchewan Family Child Care Home Licence — these are the foundational licences you must have to operate legally. They govern caregiver qualifications, staff-to-child ratios, health and safety standards, and program requirements. Without the appropriate licence, you cannot legally run a child care service. These licences are non-negotiable prerequisites that determine whether you can open your doors to families.
For health, safety, and permits, you’ll want the municipal Business Licence and the relevant licencing to demonstrate you meet safety standards. If you have employees, you’ll need Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration for workers’ compensation and payroll deductions registration for tax withholdings. If you plan to operate as a charity, ensure you have Registered Charity Status (Social Services), and choose your business structure (partnership or corporation) accordingly, completing the related registrations.
Business registration and tax numbers keep your operation compliant and on the right side of the rules: Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) to protect your trade name, a Business Number (BN) Registration for Canada-wide tax accounts, and, if applicable, GST/HST Registration. If you form a corporation, complete Saskatchewan Corporation Registration; for partnerships, register accordingly. Charitable operations may also require specific charity registration through the Social Services channel.
With these pieces in place, you’ll be ready to move forward with confidence. Start by mapping out your chosen model (centre or home), then tackle licences and registrations in sequence. If you need, I can help you build a simple checklist and timeline to stay on track.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a child care services in Saskatoon:
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Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) RequiredBusinesses in Saskatchewan operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Corporate Registry. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations, banking, and licensing. Registration can be completed online through Corporate Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years for sole proprietorships and partnerships. Register with ISC (Information Services Corporation) for business name. Required for sole proprietorships with trade name, partnerships. $65 registration fee, $60 renewal. Name reservation valid 90 days. Online registration also registers with Ministry of Finance and CRA.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Saskatchewan Child Care Centre Licence RequiredProvincial Child Care Center Licensing requirement for businesses in this jurisdiction. This licensing requirement ensures compliance with provincial regulations, protects consumers, and maintains industry standards. Requirements typically include business registration, professional qualifications or training, facility standards where applicable, insurance coverage, and adherence to relevant codes of practice. Specific details vary by province and business type. Businesses must consult relevant provincial authorities, regulatory colleges, or licensing bodies for complete requirements. Operating without required licensing may result in fines, closure orders, or inability to legally operate. Obtain childcare centre licence from Saskatchewan Ministry of Education: 1. Complete ECE education requirements 2. Obtain First Aid and CPR certification 3. Complete orientation with program consultant 4. Obtain criminal record checks for all staff 5. Submit application to Early Years Branch 6. Pass facility inspection 7. Maintain 6 hours professional development annually 8. Participate in $10/day program (optional)
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Saskatchewan Family Child Care Home Licence RequiredChild care centers and licensed home daycares must be licensed by provincial child care licensing authorities. Licensing protects children through mandatory standards for caregiver qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, facility safety, health and sanitation, programming, and nutrition. Applicants must pass facility inspections, demonstrate adequate space and equipment, conduct criminal record checks for all staff, maintain required insurance, and implement child protection policies. Licensed capacity limits are strictly enforced. Staff must have ECE (Early Childhood Education) qualifications or equivalent. Centers must implement emergency plans, maintain immunization records, and follow medication administration protocols. Regular inspections verify ongoing compliance. Serious violations result in provisional licenses, compliance orders, or license revocations. Operating unlicensed daycares is illegal and dangerous, risking child safety and resulting in closure orders and prosecution. Obtain family childcare home licence from Ministry of Education: 1. Complete 40-hour introductory ECE course (within 1 year of licensing) 2. Obtain First Aid and CPR certification 3. Complete orientation with program consultant 4. Obtain criminal record checks for all adults in home 5. Submit application to Early Years Branch 6. Pass home inspection 7. Maintain 6 hours professional development annually
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Registered Charity Status (Social Services) RequiredMany social service organizations operate as registered charities to receive tax-exempt status and issue donation receipts. CRA registration and compliance required. CRA registers charities federally (T2050 application). Ontario: Extra-Provincial Corporations Act for foreign charities. Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) for provincial incorporation. Charitable purpose required. Annual T3010 filing. Disbursement quota rules. ONCA transition completed Oct 2024. Contact CRA Charities: 1-800-267-2384.
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Saskatoon. Apply to City of Saskatoon for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Saskatoon Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships in Saskatchewan. Register partnership with ISC: 1. Complete partnership registration form 2. Submit through ISC 3. Pay registration fees General and limited partnerships. Annual return may be required.
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Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Saskatchewan. Employers in Saskatchewan must register with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and maintain coverage for workers. WCB provides insurance for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with some exceptions for specific industries and self-employed individuals. Registration should occur before hiring the first worker or commencing operations. Employers pay premiums based on their industry classification rate and assessable payroll. Register with Saskatchewan WCB for workers compensation coverage. Required for employers in mandatory industries. 2024 average premium rate $1.28 per $100 payroll. Maximum assessable earnings $104,531. Directors on T4 excluded from 2025.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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Saskatchewan Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Saskatchewan. Incorporation of a company under Saskatchewan law. Incorporate through ISC Corporate Registry: 1. Conduct NUANS name search 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit through ISC online or registry 4. Pay incorporation fees Annual return required. Federal incorporation is alternative option.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your child care services:
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Two streams: Community-Based (up to $25,000 for local projects led by and for seniors) and Pan-Canadian ($1M–$5M for national collective impact initiatives). The most recent Community-Based intake closed September 17, 2025; Pan-Canadian intake closed November 2023. Next call dates have not been announced as of early 2026. The program runs …
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Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
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