Minister Jones announced today that ECEs can deepen their understanding of brain development in the early years and the role they play. The Association of Early Childhood Educators of Alberta (AECEA) is excited to provide ECEs with this opportunity for continued professional learning. With the support of the Government of Alberta and in partnership with the Palix Foundation, this professional learning will be free to take, and ECEs will be reimbursed for their time learning.
PART 1 – Brain Story Certification – ECEs can begin by taking the free, 20-hour online course offered through Alberta Family Wellness Initiative. With the certificate of completion, ECEs will be reimbursed for 20 hours of course time. If you have already taken the Brain Story course, you may not be eligible for reimbursement, but you are welcome to participate in the theory-to-practice sessions.
PART 2 – Theory-to-Practice Sessions – After completing the course, ECEs can register to participate in 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. These sessions will be delivered in-person and online and will take a variety of formats to meet the needs of ECEs across the province. Upon completing the sessions, ECEs will be reimbursed for 10 hours of time.
NOTE: reimbursement will be handled similarly to the Release Time Funding grant, but the 30 hours (20+10) do not count towards the hours of that grant, and the reimbursement will come from AECEA, not from Children’s Services.