The Government of Alberta has updated professional development (PD) and release time (RT) funding for early childhood educators (ECEs) to enhance the quality of licensed early learning and childcare (ELCC). The updated program focuses ECE PD and RT funding on training that builds core skills, increases competencies, supports higher certification levels and strengthens leadership capacity across the sector.
- Level 1 and 2 ECEs are eligible for funding for approved Flight and pedagogy-related workshops and conferences.
- Level 3 ECEs are eligible for funding for approved leadership, Flight, and pedagogy-related workshops and conferences.
From April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027, only the workshops and conferences included on the approved list are eligible for PD and RT funding under the Early Childhood Educator Workforce Supports Program.
- Professional Development and Release Time Funding Fact Sheet
- Approved List of Workshops and Conferences for Professional Development and Release Time Funding
The approved list of workshops and conferences, along with their descriptions and links to the organization offering the professional learning, can be found below.
Please note, the approved training “Workplace Essentials Program” has not been included in this listing as it is not currently being offered by NAIT.
If you are a provider of an approved professional learning opportunity and would like edits for a listing, please contact the AECEA office at info@aecea.ca.
AECEA is not involved in PD or RT funding, so is unable to answer questions related to it or to whether you are eligible or not. Please contact the Early Childhood Educator Workforce Supports Program with any questions you may have.