Province aiming to help early childhood educators support kids

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Of the $5.2 million, $3.6 million is being used to give about 3,000 educators access to 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.

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“Alberta is a global leader in translating the science of brain development into positive life outcomes for citizens, families and communities. 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,” stated Nancy Mannix, founder, Palix Foundation & Alberta Family Wellness Initiative.

“Early childhood educators are essential to the delivery of high-quality learning and child care and they need to be well-educated, supported and remunerated to undertake that work. We are excited to provide educators with an opportunity for continued professional learning on the scientific underpinnings of early brain development and the important role educators play in a child’s early years,” shared Carol Sullivan, board chair, AECEA.

“Early child educators/caregivers who understand the science of brain development and the importance of nurturing relationships are better poised to have a positive impact on children in their care. By developing knowledge, skills and abilities regarding this science, we can optimize outcomes for our children,” commented Robin Gibb, professor and associate chair of curriculum, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge.

The remaining $1.6 million is anticipated to help up to 350 early childhood educators access professional development and training on childhood development. This is hoped to enhance quality programming in early learning child-care settings, particularly when it comes to assessing a child’s development and providing the appropriate supports.

“Recognizing that the first five years of a child’s life is the most formative period of development, ARCQE looks forward to implementing province-wide practice strategies focused on enriching educator capacity and program quality. Through access to specialized training and resources, early childhood educators will be further supported in helping children reach their full potential,” said Corine Ferguson, executive director, ARCQE.

Government officials say the $5.2-million funding is provided through the 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. The early childhood workforce funding is said to complement and support the Canada-wide early learning and child-care vision.