EXCERPTS:
The Government of Alberta and the Federal Government are set to provide more than $5 million to over 3,300 early childhood educators.
In a release Wednesday, the government said the funding will give early childhood educators opportunities to enhance their understanding of early childhood brain science and childhood development. These organizations will use the funding to train educators and reimburse them for their training time.
“Skilled professionals are essential to supporting kids’ learning and development in their early years,” said Matt Jones, Minister of Children’s Services.
“Time is often a barrier for educators to access further training, which is why Alberta’s government is allocating this funding to help pay these educators while they enhance their skills and knowledge. This will ensure the next generation of kids is equipped with the tools they need to become tomorrow’s leaders.”
According to the release, most of the $5.2 million is earmarked for about 3,000 educators to access the Brain Story Certification course offered through the Alberta Family Wellness Initiative. Educators will also have an opportunity to participate in theory-to-practice sessions, helping transfer knowledge from the course to daily practice.
“Alberta is a global leader in translating the science of brain development into positive life outcomes for citizens, families and communities,” said
“This grant makes this crucial body of knowledge available to early educators, ensuring they have the tools they need to help children grow into resilient adults with good mental and physical health.”
The rest of the funds will help approximately 250 educators access professional development and training on childhood development.
“Recognizing that the first five years of a child’s life is the most formative period of development, ARCQE looks forward to implementing provincewide practice strategies focused on enriching educator capacity and program quality,” said Corine Ferguson, executive director, ARCQE.
“Through access to specialized training and resources, early childhood educators will be further supported in helping children reach their full potential.”
The funding is part of a one-time investment of $56 million in 2021-2022 to support the early childhood workforce under the made-in-Alberta child-care agreement with the federal government.