Sask. schools benefit from provincial funding

“The work really is intended to help support [parent’s] children so [they] can grow up and become well-functioning and prepared for future opportunities.”

The voluntary program helps support positive learning experiences and holistic development of children.

“Really, [it’s] our little, little ones from birth to five-years of age that are living in vulnerable circumstances,” Miller said.

The Board of Education of the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division (SRSD) is a partner in the KidsFirst work, according to Miller.

The SRSD will receive $1,182,436 through this year’s program.

“The intention of the program is to help parents build positive parenting skills as [kids] learn, and focus on prenatal health, areas of childhood development including literacy, nutrition and really overall how to improve the health and wellbeing of their children,” Miller said.

The program also connects parents in the community with support services that are found in the community.

Millers said that would include “children care, early learning programs, parenting support groups, life skill classes and specialized services and those might include mental health and addictions counselling.”

He said this important work done through the program is to really work with families, to support children who need the most help and to give them every chance for a healthy and productive life.

More than 1,900 families across the province are helped annually through KidsFirst.

Education Minister Don Morgan said in a statement, “KidsFirst is an important part of our government’s commitment to building strong families and communities. Helping children get a good start in life is an important part of securing their future success, as well as a better quality of life for all Saskatchewan people.”

Health Minister Dustin Duncan said in the statement that, “The health and well-being of our children is a high priority for our government. This program supports children and families who need help the most, to give them every chance for health and productive lives.”

Breakdown of funding

Prairie North Regional Health Authority in the Battlefords will receive $1,411,649.

Prairie North Regional Health Authority in Meadow Lake will receive $868,876.

Five Hills Regional Health Authority in Moose Jaw will receive $626,781.

Kelsey Trail Regional Health Authority in Nipawin will receive $470,319.

The Board of Education of the Northern Lights School Division No. 113 of Saskatchewan in the north and La Ronge will receive $2,587,435.

The Board of Education of the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division in Prince Albert will receive $1,182,436.

Regina Qu’Appelle Regional Health Authority in Regina will receive $3,910,892.

Saskatoon Regional Health Authority in Saskatoon will receive $2,210,605.

Sunrise Regional Health Authority in Yorkton will receive $1,490,057.

– With files from Sarah Stone

swallace@panow.com

On Twitter: @sarahthesquid

by Sarah Wallace

Sask. schools benefit from provincial funding

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