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Membership Benefits

Professional and Student Member Benefits

Professional and student members enjoy the following benefits:

  • the opportunity to contribute to AECEA’s advocacy for accessible, affordable, high-quality child care delivered by a respected, well-compensated professional ELCC workforce
  • a monthly e-newsletter, Networking News, that includes updates on AECEA’s activities, information about professional learning opportunities and events, links to the latest research and inspirational stories from the field
  • discounts on AECEA-sponsored workshops and events (including the popular annual conference, which is usually sold out)
  • reduced fees for selected educational and professional learning offerings sponsored by AECEA’s partners
  • access to a group health benefits plan (available to professional and student members whose employers are AECEA associate members)
  • reduced membership fees for professional members whose employers participate in AECEA’s group health benefits plan
  • AECEA’s support and organizational backing to empower personal advocacy for the recognition of ECEs as well-qualified, well-compensated professionals
  • opportunities to develop leadership skills and make a difference by getting involved in the association
  • free affiliate membership in the Canadian Child Care Federation (CCCF), which is a cost saving of $65
    • CCCF affiliate membership includes discounts on books and resources, weekly email updates and access to the federation’s members-only quarterly journal
  • 15% off the Imagine Institute for Learning (formerly ECDSS) workshops
  • 15% off personal tax returns through UFile
  • 15% off public workshops through the Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute (CTRI) and the ACHIEVE Centre for Leadership and Workplace Performance
  • Up to 40% off home and auto insurance through The Co-Operators
  • NEW! 30% off yearly Institute of Child Psychology membership
  • NEW! Free Scholars Choice membership

Associate Member Benefits

AECEA’s associate members enjoy the following benefits:

  • free affiliate membership in the CCCF, which is a cost saving of $90
  • access to a number of workforce and workplace related benefits and discounts, including the following:
    • a comprehensive group health benefit plan that offers life and disability insurance, coverage for prescription drugs, dental and vision care, and medical coverage for travellers
    • access to Foster Park Brokers commercial insurance, which is tailored to the ELCC industry
    • 15% off on-site workshops through the Imagine Institute for Learning (formerly ECDSS)
    • $25 off T2 tax filing through UFile
    • 10% discount on HRDownloads, a web-based HR software that is tailored to your needs
    • Access to Econocoop, a group buying platform for early learning and child care programs
    • NEW! Free Scholars Choice membership

Employee Benefits Program

AECEA, Benefex Consulting Inc. and Co-Operators Insurance have partnered to offer a cost-effective health benefits program for employees of child care programs in Alberta. Child care programs must be an active associate member with AECEA. This comprehensive plan is flexible and offers health benefit options such as:

  • prescription drugs and other health benefits
  • dental
  • vision
  • life & disability insurance
  • out-of-province/country medical insurance
  • employee & family assistance program and more!

Why Offer a Group Health Benefits program to my staff?

  • Health benefits can help attract and retain qualified employees
  • They foster a healthy workforce and improve morale, productivity, and efficiency
  • Other businesses and child cares offer Group Health Benefits and doing so will help your business remain competitive
  • Expenditures toward group health benefit plans are tax deductible as a business expense.

What are the advantages of offering Group Health Benefits through the AECEA Membership Benefits Program?

  • Affordable: Lower premium rates because of the overall size of the program;
  • Comprehensive: Benefit options include prescription drugs (drug card) and other health benefits, dental, eye glasses, life and disability insurance, out-of-province/country medical, employee & family assistance program, etc.;
  • Flexible: Customization of plan design;
  • Easy: On-line administration and claims handling.
  • Discounts: Employees whose organization participate in the Group Health Benefits program are eligible for a discount on their professional memberships ($95.00/year, down from $125.00)

Does my group qualify for coverage?

  • Organizations, agencies or businesses with an AECEA Associate Membership are eligible to participate;
  • Certain guidelines exist pertaining to employee participation and employee/employer cost-sharing arrangements.

How much does a Group Benefits plan cost?

Cost will depend on a number of factors (plan design, group demographics, single vs. family coverage, etc.) but will start at an average cost of $100-125 per employee/month (lower for single coverage and higher for family coverage)

How do I receive a quote for my Group?

To receive a quote, select either Option 1 or Option 2. You will be contacted shortly thereafter for additional information:

If you have questions, please contact Kyle at 780-784-2610 (toll-free at 1-866-525-5055), or via email: acca@benefexconsulting.com.