Ehrlo Early Learning Centre (EELC) cares for 260 children, providing a nurturing and loving environment as an extension of the family unit.

For more than 10 years, Ranch Ehrlo has delivered quality childcare to the community; working together with families to achieve goals and foster growth in children.

In 2001, Ranch staff Karin Duff developed a proposal to establish a daycare for the employees of Ranch Ehrlo Society and Ehrlo Community Services. After approval and funding was granted, EELC opened its doors at W.F. Ready on Oct. 1, 2002.

EELC was initially developed for the exclusive use of Ranch Ehrlo employees, but with an outpouring of community interest, the early learning centre extended its service to the general public on April 1, 2003.

“We started small but we had numerous calls from the public on a daily basis,” Karin explained. “The longer we were open the more calls we received, so we decided to open our doors to the community.”

“As soon as we opened to the public we filled up immediately, “she said. “We increased from 30 spaces to 48.”

In June 2008, EELC became the first daycare in Saskatchewan, and one of only 13 centres in Canada, to be accredited by the Council on Accreditation, ensuring policies and procedures meet the best practice and standards in North America.

As the reputation and demand of EELC continued to grow, the need for expansion became dire, said Karin. The waitlist for childcare spaces continued to rise each year, toping 450 children.

“Initially, I had no idea it would become what it has,” said Karin. “I knew that we would be a great centre, but I didn’t anticipate such an overwhelming response from the community.”

In 2010, EELC expanded to include five locations throughout Regina: W.F. Ready, Gladys McDonald, Imperial, Ruth Pawson, and Wilfrid Walker.

“We are highly structured, and I think that’s what sets EELC apart from the other childcare centres,” said Karin. “Parents value our structure, our handling routines, and our child-directed philosophy.”

EELC is a subsidized and licensed daycare program available for children age 18 months to Kindergarten. A program for school-aged children also operates in conjunction with the centres.

For more information, visit www.ehrlo.com/earlylearningcentre/