About Us

A federation in it's most basic form is an organization formed from separate groups to join together under one central body. 

The SFEL has grown from just a few early learning and chidcare organizations in its beginnings to nearly 50 organizations in 2021.  The need for a united voice and member support has continued to grow and so in 2022 the SFEL Strategic Plan was updated.  The plan is ambitious and full of hope for the future of early learning and child care in Saskatchewan.  By broadening our membership to include the early learning and child care professionals throughout the province we amplify our mission, vision and values.


Our Mission: Uniting early learning professionals through advocacy and innovation

Our Vision: SFEL is the “A”dvocate for early learning professionals in Saskatchewan.

Our Values: Advocacy, Communication, Education, Partnership, Transparency


Learn more about our strategic plan

Our History

2022 - The Saskatoon Federation of Early Learning rebrands as the Saskatchewan Federation of Early Learning.

As the SFEL was fielding inquiries from across the province and representing more than just the Saskatoon members and so the SFEL rebranded to reflect that change.  

2019 - The SFEL Advocacy Committee was formed

Our advocacy committee developed from a need to voice the concerns from our members with government and to ensure common goals stayed at the forefront.  

2011 - The Saskatoon Daycare Directors Association rebrands as the Saskatoon Federation of Early Learning

1980 - The Saskatoon Daycare Directors Association was formed

Our Current Executive

2024/25 Saskatchewan Federation of Early Learning Executive
Ashlee Bloder
Chairperson
TBD
TBD
Vice-Chairperson
TBD
Traci Thomson
Past Chairperson
Traci has held many different positions in the Early Learning Sector for the last 28 years. She is currently the Director at Royal West Early Learning Centre, which is part of the Saskatoon Student Child Care Services. We serve community and teen parent families. She enjoys forming long-lasting relationships with families and watching the children grow, learn, and have fun! Traci is excited to see the changes and growth in our sector and anticipates more exciting developments to come. Traci is married and has 2 children of her own and 2 dogs.
Natasha Merko
Treasurer
TBD
Darcie Anderson
Secretary
have been working in the field of childcare since 1997. With nearly three decades of experience, I am proud to currently serve as the Director of Dalmeny Daycare. Throughout my career, I have remained deeply passionate about providing high-quality childcare and advocating for excellence in early learning across Saskatchewan. Outside of my professional life, I have a love for travel and enjoy exploring new places and cultures whenever I can.
Viona Johnson
Member at Large
TBD
April Berg
Member at Large
April has worked in the early learning and childcare sector for over 20 years. Her current role is as Director of Eastview Centre for Early Learning Co-operative Ltd in Saskatoon. The thing April loves most about her time in the sector is how no two days are ever the same and how she continues to learn, grow, and face new challenges even after so many years. April dreams of the day when Early Childhood Educators will be recognized and valued across the country for all they do to support children and families. Fun fact about April, when she is not working, she can be found watching curling, enjoying time with family at the lake or competing in dog agility.
Leanne May
Member at Large
Since 2016, Leanne has been the Director of Childcare Services with Saskatoon Open Door Society overseeing two multicultural licensed childcare centers and the Multicultural HIPPY program. (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters)
She has worked in many areas within the field since becoming a certified Early Childhood Educator III 1992 (Saskpolytech):

- Center based care
- Center management
- Home based care
- ELCC Program Consultant with Ministry of Education
- SODS Program Director

Leanne’s hope for the future is that Saskatchewan’s Early Childhood Educators are recognized as professionals and there is equality for them all within the province regardless of where they are working.
A fun fact about Leanne:
Favorite pastime is fishing.
An avid Concert participant.
Loves to paint with Acrylics.
Tammy Desrosiers
Member at Large
Tammy has been working in the field for close to twenty years. She is currently working as the Director of Warman Childcare Centre which is a 46 spot licensed facility. She started in the field as an Early Childhood Educator and became a Director in 2007. Tammy has enjoyed seeing all the changes in the field and looking forward for this opportunity to a part of an organization that supports its membership and advocates for the sector. When Tammy is not at work she enjoys camping with her four children and husband.

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