SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC
Looking back on Building the Future

For five years, the Building the Future initiative helped early childhood educators advance their education without putting their careers or families on hold. Launched in 2021 to support Saskatchewan's early learning workforce and the rollout of $10-a-day childcare in the province, the tuition-free project paired flexible learning opportunities with dedicated support from 25 Saskatchewan Polytechnic faculty members.

As the project wrapped up, faculty reflected on the learners they taught, the connections they helped build and the impact they saw as early childhood educators gained new skills and training.

During the 2025-26 academic year, learners registered in more than 2,800 Building the Future training and professional development opportunities. Participants ranged from high school students exploring careers in early learning to experienced educators pursuing professional development, earning micro-credentials and working toward higher certification while continuing to work in the field.

"The success of this initiative reflects the dedication of our faculty, mentors and staff, who shared their expertise and supported learners throughout their educational journey," says Christa Maclean, dean of Sask Polytech's School of Education and Community Services. "Supporting early childhood educators is an important part of our commitment to strengthening communities and we're proud of the impact this has made across Saskatchewan."

For instructor Tricia McEwen, one of the greatest rewards was watching learners discover just how capable they were.

"I saw learners become more confident in the skills they already had, apply new ideas directly in their workplaces and build meaningful connections with educators from across the province," says McEwen. "Every student I had the privilege of working with completed their studies with an incredible sense of pride."

As Building the Future was delivered online, educators from rural, northern and urban communities could participate without leaving their jobs or relocating. Removing travel and geographic barriers made learning accessible to educators who may not otherwise have been able to continue their education.

The online environment also created vibrant learning communities.

Students logged into weekly classes, sharing experiences, asking questions and learning from one another. Many stayed online before or after class to continue conversations, while others reached out for guidance as they balanced coursework alongside careers, families and life's unexpected challenges.

"The flexibility to learn from almost anywhere gave students greater access to their courses and online resources allowed them to engage with the material when it worked best for them," says McEwen. "The most rewarding parts of being an instructor were listening, supporting students through challenges and helping them keep moving toward their goal."

For McEwen, the experience was just as meaningful for instructors as it was for learners.

"Being part of Building the Future has been incredibly humbling," she says. "The knowledge, passion and commitment every student brought to their learning was inspiring. Their dedication to becoming the best educators they could be for Saskatchewan's youngest learners is something I'll always remember."

Jennifer Davies, Flexible Learning Consultant, who coordinated Building the Future, says that commitment to learning continues even though the initiative has ended.

"Before the project completed, I visited one of our classes and every student planned to continue their studies," says Davies. "Whether they're accessing provincial workplace tuition reimbursement or financially investing themselves, they see the value of furthering their education and advancing their careers."

Although Building the Future, funded through the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement has concluded, Sask Polytech continues to support the province's early learning workforce through full-time and flexible learning options.

Individuals can continue building their skills and advancing their careers through programs such as:

• Early Childhood Education diploma
• Early Childhood Administrator advanced certificate
• Early Childhood Education certificate of achievement

Learn more about Sask Polytech's School of Education and Community Services.