REGINA — Some Saskatchewan daycare operators say the province’s new child care agreement is hitting parents with higher, unexpected fees.

They say they were told children who turn six this year would continue to be covered for $10-a-day care until the end of their kindergarten year.

But the province says only those who turn six after April 1 will be covered, and pupils who turn six before then won’t be.

The Opposition NDP says parents no longer receiving coverage are now paying full price, which ranges from $30 to $80 a day.

The province had said last year coverage for six-year-olds would start during the 2026-2027 year.

Education Minister Everett Hindley says provisions in the agreement prevent the province from funding children who turn six before April 1.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 5, 2026.

Jeremy Simes, The Canadian Press