EXCERPT
On February 1, 2021, the amended Early Learning and Child Care Act1 (formally the Child Care Licensing Act) and its accompanying regulations will come into effect. Bill 39, the bill introducing changes to the Act, had its first reading on October 28, 2020. Over the following two months, it was debated in the legislature. The Act was passed and received Royal Assent in mid-December. The supporting regulations have not yet been made public. The Association of Early Childhood Educators of Alberta (AECEA) and other community groups have recommended changes that primarily focus on the recognition and support of Alberta's early childhood educators (ECEs) and the development of a comprehensive system that ensures quality and affordable early learning and child care (ELCC) provision for all children and their families.
During the town hall and in media interviews, the Minister of Children's Services, Rebecca Schulz, has foreshadowed some of the regulation changes the province anticipates making. At this time, AECEA can only respond to the revised Early Learning and Child Care Act changes. AECEA plans to respond to the regulations once they are made public.
Purpose of this document
This document intends to:
- inform ECEs in Alberta working in licensed child care centres, preschools, out of school cares, and day home agencies about the amended Alberta Early Learning and Child Care Act; and,
- help ECEs and other stakeholders consider the implications changes to the Act may have on the field and the children and families it serves