Announcement: Brain Story Certification Reimbursement

Brain Story Certification and Theory-to-Practice Sessions

Did you hear the news?!

The Association of Early Childhood Educators of Alberta (AECEA) is excited to announce that with the support of the Government of Alberta and in partnership with the Palix Foundation, we are providing early childhood educators (ECEs) an opportunity for continued professional learning on the scientific underpinnings of early brain development and the important role ECEs play in brain development in the early years.

The Brain Story Certification course is a free, online course offered through Alberta Family Wellness Initiative (AFWI).& The course provides detailed scientific information for those seeking a deeper understanding of brain development and its consequences for lifelong health.

What You'll Learn

Lifelong health is determined by more than just our genes: experiences at sensitive periods of development change the brain in ways that increase or decrease risk for later physical and mental illness, including addiction. That finding is the premise of the Brain Story, which puts scientific concepts into a narrative that is salient to both expert and non-expert audiences. The Brain Story synthesizes decades of research and reflects a body of knowledge that experts agree is useful for policy-makers and citizens to understand.

Upon completion of the 20-hour course, participants will receive a certificate of completion.

Reimbursement

All early childhood educators (ECEs) who have completed their Brain Story certification course after February 25, 2022 and work in a licensed/approved child care program are eligible for reimbursement. For the 20-hour Brain Story Certification, ECEs can expect to receive $17.50/hour ($350.00) in reimbursement through their employer. Programs can expect $1.33/hour ($26.60) to offset wage-related expenses for the ECE. This reimbursement is not linked to the Release Time Grant offered by Children's Services and is available to both AECEA members and non-members.

To apply for reimbursement, fill out the form here. 

Theory-to-Practice Sessions

After completing the Brain Story course, ECEs can register to participate in the Theory-to-Practice sessions designed specifically for ECEs to connect the theory and ideas presented in the Brain Story to their daily practice, interactions and relationships with children and families. This will be available in 2023. To be notified when the application for the sessions becomes available, complete this form.

Upon completing the sessions, ECEs will be reimbursed for 10 hours of time. 

Are you ready to get started? Click the button below to start the process.

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