It all started with an inspired idea.

A small group of passionate members from several Lutheran congregations came together after attending a LWML workshop and learning about the growing need for quality child care in Saskatoon. Guided by faith and a shared vision, they formed a committee to create a preschool where the children could learn, grow and experience the love of God.

Not long after, the first Lutheran Early Learning Center (LELC) preschool opened its doors at Grace Lutheran Church welcoming families to an open house that marked the beginning of an exciting journey. The overwhelming community support encouraged the committee to dream bigger. Through the dedication of countless volunteers, their vision expanded into a full Child Care Center, which officially opened in 1999 on McMillan Avenue. From that moment, LELC became a trusted name in early childhood education within the Mount Royal and surrounding communities.

As demand grew, so did we.

In 2004, LELC proudly expanded to Martensville, followed by the opening of a second center licensed for 27 spaces, later renovated to increase to 30 space total. With the St. John’s community support, discussions for a larger Warman location began in 2013, and just two years later, a beautiful new center opened offering 51 licensed spaces. Continued growth allowed us to add infant care and more preschool and school age spaces. Increasing our capacity to 90 licensed spaces serving Warman and nearby families.

Our expansion continued in 2022 with the purchase of a new building in Martensville adding 51 more licensed spaces to meet local needs. Today, our Martensville programs include a preschool at Venture Heights School, a School Age program in partnership with New Horizon Senior Center, and the newly opened Centennial LELC, which welcomed our first families on September 18, 2023. This freshly renovated, modern space provides care for 51 children, from infants through six years of age.

Then on October 2, 2023, we celebrated another major milestone with the opening of our largest location in Saskatoon’s Sutherland community. This expansion brought 59 new licensed spaces and the relocation of our original 30 spaces from McMillan Avenue, helping meet the growing demand for child care in and underserved area of the city. The relocation brought us closer to Grace Lutheran Church where we also provide a preschool program within a freshly renovated classroom. Though it was difficult to say goodbye to 24 years of memories at McMillan, we were thrilled for the next chapter and grateful for how God continues to guide our growth.

Finally, in April of 2025, LELC opened our newest, stand-alone centre in Hague. With the help of Claystone Developments and Zaks Home Building Centre the centre was built to suit in a double lot backing the spray park, ball diamonds and adjacent to the Hague Arena. Being close to Hague Elementary School, we were able to partner with Prairie Spirit School Division and provide a Before and After School program within the school’s mini gym.

We are deeply grateful for the incredible support of our partners and communities to which we serve. Specifically, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Grace Lutheran Church, Venture Heights School, Prairie Spirit School Division, New Horizon Senior Center, Hague Elementary School, Claystone Developments and CityLife, who have warmly embraced our programs and mission by providing us a space to operate our programs.

Affiliated Churches

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

Grace Lutheran Church