About Us.
Our Mission: Uniting early learning professionals through advocacy and innovation.
Our Vision: SFEL is the Advocate for early learning professionals in Saskatchewan.
Our Values: Advocacy, Communication, Education, Partnership, Transparency
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 childcare 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 Story
1980
The Saskatoon Daycare Directors Association was formed
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 Federation of Early Learning rebrands as the Saskatchewan Federation of Early Learning.
2022
The Saskatoon Daycare Directors Association rebrands as the Saskatoon 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.
Meet the Directors
Alexsandra Palatinus Dulic | Co-Chairperson
Aleksandra has been a dedicated Early Childhood Educator since 2011 and the Director at Albert Childcare since 2017. She is passionate about creating safe, nurturing and engaging environments where children can thrive. She believes in the lasting impact Early Childhood Educators have on a child’s growth, learning, and lifelong love for discovery.
She is passionate about recognizing Early Childhood Educators as valued professionals and advocates for their essential role in shaping future generations. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family.
Darcie Anderson | Digital Manager / Member at Large
Darcie has been working in the field of childcare since 1997. With nearly three decades of experience, she’s proud to be serving as the Director of Dalmeny Daycare.
Throughout her career, she has remained deeply passionate about providing high-quality childcare and advocating for excellence in early learning across Saskatchewan. Outside of her professional life, she has a love for travel. She enjoys exploring new places and cultures whenever she can.
Viona Johnson | Chair
Viona has been working in the Early Years world since 2004. She joined the University of Saskatchewan Students Union Child Care Centres in 2016 and is the director of the Williams Location. She proudly supported the McEown Location opening up as the first 90 space and purpose built centre in the province.
In addition to being a part of the SFEL, she is the VP of her community association, a part of the SCC in her son's school, hosts community parent & tot events and supports various other events, fundraising and groups. She believes in contributing to kind and effective solutions for complex problems, creating more vibrant public spaces, promoting civic engagement, and overall being a good person in the world. Afterall, the little ones near and with us... watch us closely and how we live our lives is how they will move forward with their own.
It is with a positive heart, glitter, bubbles, ECE advocacy, stickers and a bit too much coffee that Viona works diligently towards our future - with those whom we are currently responsible for taking care of. 'If you plan for a decade, plant a tree. If you plan for a century, teach the children.'
Ashley Bloder | Past-Chair / 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: Favourite pastime is fishing. An avid Concert participant. Loves to paint with Acrylics.
Natasha Merko | Treasurer
Natasha has been working in the ELCC field for over 14 years and is currently the Director of Centennial Lutheran Early Learning Center. She can’t imagine doing anything else. She loves the new experiences each day brings and loves learning and growing alongside the children, families and fellow ECE Professionals.
This is her 3rd year as Treasurer of the Saskatchewan Federation of Early Learning. She has enjoyed being a part of the SFEL over the years, and is enjoying learning and growing beside other Professionals as part of the Executive. When not working, you can find Natasha with a coffee in hand enjoying the outdoors, or a good book!
