the small steps
PHILOSOPHY
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Small Steps Early Learning Centre (SSELC) is an inclusive early learning and childcare facility, licensed and regulated by the Ministry of Education for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old. This Centre provides a home-like environment where children feel safe and comfortable. We provide a positive, engaging and holistic learning environment with certified Early Childhood Educators.
we pROVIDE
a safe, nurturing, positive, engaging and holistic environment where children are encouraged to learn and develop through play and guided programming.
WE B ELIEVE
that permanent, reliable, and quality childcare is an essential service that every family needs to thrive in our community.
wE EN COURAGE
each child to develop essential selfcare skills and self-responsibility.
The River room is where you’ll find our youngest little explorers! With two full time educators, this room is home to a maximum of 6 infants. This room is equipped with a crib for each child in peaceful nap rooms away from the busyness of the classrooms. This room also has access to a bottle preparation and storage space.
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The Mountain room is always on the move! This room, rated for 6 older infants and 5 younger toddlers with three educators, and supports little ones as they transition between infancy and toddlerhood. This room is equipped with two nap rooms, a beginner toilet, and access to a bottle preparation station.
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The Ocean room is home to ten toddlers, two educators, and a whole lot of learning! These 18 month - 2.5 year olds are full of excitement as they strive to be more independent. With activities designed to increase their understanding of the world around them, there is never a dull moment in the Ocean room.
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Welcome to the Jungle! This room was created for ten toddlers and ten preschoolers, led by three educators. This room establishes routines and supports children as they take on more responsibilities. This room is equipped with both toilets and a diapering station to encourage toilet learning as the children show readiness.
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MEet our
EDUCATORS
Our diverse and well-trained team of early childhood educators is our greatest asset. Our full-time educators hold ECE certificates or diplomas, youth care work diplomas, B.Ed. degrees, or an equivalency.
All full-time staff are required to hold valid First Aid/CPR certification and clear criminal record checks. We are committed to ongoing professional development and learning alongside the children at Small Steps.
therE arE no open job postings. please check back for opertunities to join our team.
SSELC supports and encourages staff members to grow and further educate themselves in early childhood education by supporting them with many benefits. Benefits to our staff include comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance packages, government grants to cover 100% of tuition & book costs, flexibility to complete courses, RSP matching, and the full support of the Centre Director and Board of Directors.
Our boar d MEMBErS
Small Steps has a strong foundation for the future, thanks to current and past boards and executives. The Small Steps board must be committed to protecting and supporting our team by providing training opportunities and recognizing their professional accomplishments and organizational value.
Director
Mari Jensen
Mari was raised in Outlook and joined the Small Steps team in 2018 as an educator, and moved into the Assistant Director position in April 2024. She obtained her ECE Level III certificate in 2024 and her diploma in Early Learning and Child Care, with Distinction. Mari became the Centre Director in 2025 and continues to lead our team of motivated staff while providing a safe and welcoming environment for children in the newly expanded facility. Mari engages in many types of professional development and is especially passionate about music and outdoor education.
Assistant Director
Nicole Hermanson
Nicole grew up on a farm near Outlook and earned her ECE Level 1 in 2002. After working in local childcare centres, she spent over 18 years in Italy and Switzerland as a nanny, tutor, and nursery school educator. In 2023, she returned to Outlook and worked as an EA at Outlook Elementary School before joining Small Steps in June 2024. Nicole became Assistant Director in August 2025 and plans to earn her ECE Level II by June of 2026.
President
Jessica Harrington
Bio coming soon
Vice President
Arielle Annala
Arielle joined the Board of Directors in 2024. She moved to Outlook in 2012 and lives with her spouse and 4 children. Arielle has managed the Co-op Grocery Department for the last 9 years and holds a Certificate in Accounting and Bookkeeping. She and her husband also own their own business. All of their children have attended SSELC in the past, and two children still attend currently. Arielle volunteers at many community events and sits as Secretary on the Outlook Riverbank Rodeo Board.
Arielle joined the SSELC Board to be more involved with her children’s care and activities at the Centre and to actively help fundraise for the beautiful expansion.
Secretary
Kalene Eliason
Kalene joined the board in 2024. She lives in Outlook with her husband and young children. Kalene obtained an Agribusiness diploma from the University of Saskatchewan and spent 5 years working in Agriculture retail. Alongside her husband, she now provides agronomic consultation on their multigenerational farm and to other local farming operations. Kalene joined the board to assist with the ongoing expansion efforts to bring more childcare to the community and to help ensure the continued success of a critical service in our community.
Member
Madelein Pienaar
Madelein is a mother of a 9 year old boy and the board’s most recent addition who arrived in March 2025. She is also a dedicated professional with extensive experience in the agricultural sector, with a defined expertise in Human Resource Management and Occupational Health and Safety. With a strong background in conflict resolution, safety compliance, and legal standards, Madelein provides guidance to ensure SSELC operates at the highest level of safety and care standards. After joining the board in early 2025, Madelein plans to enrich the environment for our young children- our future leaders.
Member
Nikki Stewart
Bio coming soon
Member
Emily Trew
Bio coming soon
Member
Richelle Kenn
Bio coming soon
Member
Amanda Elder
Bio coming soon
