The Association of Early Childhood Educators of Alberta (AECEA) acknowledges the Government of Alberta’s 2026–27 budget commitment to maintaining wage top-ups, professional development, and release time funding for early childhood educators (ECEs), including continued support of up to $4,387.50 per educator.
We welcome the government’s stated focus on strengthening workforce capacity, enhancing certification levels, and building the skills and competencies required to deliver high-quality early learning and child care across Alberta.
A strong, stable, and well-supported workforce is foundational to a high-quality early learning and child care (ELCC) system. As Alberta continues implementation of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) agreement with the Government of Canada, sustained investment in educator learning and professional growth remains essential.
AECEA looks forward to working with the government to professionalize the sector further and ensure the workforce is centred in policy decisions by:
- Recognizing that professional learning strengthens practice
- Supporting educators at all certification levels
- Valuing sector-led learning organizations
- Maintaining flexibility to respond to community and regional needs
- Advancing workforce stability and retention alongside skill development
Alberta’s early learning workforce has demonstrated resilience, professionalism, and deep commitment to children and families. Policy decisions that elevate the sector while respecting educator expertise contribute to the social good of the province.
AECEA remains committed to constructive dialogue with government and partners to ensure Alberta’s early learning system continues to grow in both quality and sustainability, with the workforce at the centre of decision-making.
We understand that funding changes can create uncertainty, and we will keep you informed as we know more.
Frequently Asked Questions — PD Funding Changes
Is professional development (PD) funding being cut?
No. The government has confirmed that funding of up to $4,387.50 per Early Childhood Educator for professional development and release time will continue as of April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.
The overall funding cap has not been reduced.
What is changing?
The government has indicated that PD and release time will shift to focus on:
- Strengthening workforce capacity in early learning and child care principles
- Enhancing certification levels
- Building key skills and competencies
- Supporting high-quality early learning and child care
This suggests that new eligibility criteria for approved professional learning content may be introduced for PD funding going forward.
Does this mean I can no longer attend conferences or workshops?
No. However, conference and workshop providers may need to demonstrate clearer connections to:
- Core ELCC practice
- Recognized competencies
- Certification pathways
- Quality early learning and child care
We are awaiting more detailed program guidelines and will share updates as soon as they are available.
Will upgrading from Level 1 to Level 2 or Level 3 be prioritized?
The language around “enhancing certification levels” suggests that formal education leading to certification upgrades may be emphasized.
That said, professional growth happens at all levels. We will be advocating to ensure educators at every certification level continue to have access to meaningful learning opportunities.
Does this mean advocacy or professional identity learning won’t be supported?
The announcement does not explicitly exclude these activities.
However, funding may increasingly prioritize learning that clearly connects to regulated practice, competencies, and system-defined quality measures.
AECEA believes that professional identity, leadership, and ethical reflection are core components of quality practice, and we will continue to position them as such.
Which professional learning organizations will be eligible?
Details have not yet been released.
AECEA is engaging with the government to ensure that sector-informed and educator-led professional learning remains recognized and eligible within the updated framework.
Should I change my current professional learning plans?
For activities scheduled before April 1, 2026, current guidelines apply.
For activities after April 1, we recommend:
- Watching for updated program criteria if you want to access funded programs
- Keeping documentation that demonstrates how your learning strengthens practice
You can still attend professional learning offered by a variety of providers; it just may not be funded at this time.
Why is government making this shift?
Governments often refine funding criteria to:
- Align spending with measurable outcomes
- Demonstrate accountability
- Strengthen workforce qualifications
- Show quality improvement within the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care system
Maintaining funding while clarifying its focus reflects an effort to align professional learning with system-level workforce goals.
What is AECEA doing?
AECEA is:
- Seeking clarification on eligibility updates
- Advocating for broad recognition of evidence-informed professional learning
- Ensuring educator voices inform implementation
- Monitoring impacts on workforce stability and retention
We remain committed to ensuring Alberta’s early childhood educator workforce is supported not just as service providers, but as skilled professionals.
What should I do right now?
- Stay informed
- Continue your professional growth
- Reach out to AECEA if you have specific concerns
- Document how your learning connects to practice
Professional learning remains a cornerstone of quality early childhood education in Alberta.