After a pilot program was announced around this time last year, it is expanding to benefit five new communities, one of which is Swift Current.

The Early Learning Intensive Support (ELIS) pilot program began in the cities of Regina and Saskatoon, but an announcement made last week outlined its extension to five more communities.

Moose Jaw, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Yorkton, and Swift Current will all be included in the program which looks to provide children with intensive needs access to professional supports.

Across the five communities receiving the collective $2 million in funding, 50 new spaces can be provided to pre-kindergarten children who require extra support. Six of those spaces are coming to Swift Current.

This brings the total amount of spaces in Saskatchewan to 170.

Lisa Fleming, director of Early Learning and Evaluation with the Government of Saskatchewan, said their commitment will help school divisions and children at the same time.

"School divisions will require funds that will allow them to work with children who are currently not meeting developmental milestones and have intensive needs."

The funds will go towards allowing school divisions to hire educational assistants, as well as specialized resources.

Responding to a report that Saskatchewan received a failing grade when it comes to childcare, Fleming spoke of other childcare supports.

"I think our families have lots of different supports, this is one of many supports that we offer for our families to help them identify and access community services."

The Early Childhood Intervention Program, grants, and supports within the Saskatchewan Health Authority, were all cited by Fleming as supports available to parents.

Swift Current will receive $135,000 in funding for the six spaces for the 2019-2020 school year.