On February 19, 2026, the Government of Alberta shared updates with licensed child care programs, family day home agencies, and family day home educators regarding the 2026/27 grant agreements.
A key update is that the Alberta Child Care Grant Funding Program (wage top-up, mandatory employer contributions, professional development, and release time) will be renamed the Early Childhood Educator Workforce Supports Program, effective April 1, 2026.
Professional Development and Release Time
Beginning April 1, 2026, approved professional development and release time components will shift to focus more directly on:
- Strengthening workforce capacity in early learning and child care principles
- Enhancing certification levels
- Building key skills and competencies tied to quality practice
The program will continue to provide up to $4,387.50 per eligible educator for professional development and release time. However, the ministry has indicated that new eligibility criteria will apply and that some post-secondary courses, workshops, and conferences may no longer qualify once the approved list is released. Programs are being encouraged to pause booking professional development for 2026/27 until further guidance is shared.
AECEA understands that the Ministry is currently developing the approved professional development list and updated funding guide. Establishing clear criteria requires careful consideration, and we appreciate the work underway to provide clarity for the sector. Once the finalized guide and approved list are released, we will review them closely and share further information.
AECEA recognizes that uncertainty, especially while educators are planning coursework, conferences, and certification steps, can be stressful. We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.
Affordability Grant Context
The broader 2026/27 Affordability Grant approach remains in place under the one-year extension of the Canada-Alberta agreement. A 2% inflationary increase will be applied to Schedule A fees for eligible programs, while parent fees remain the same.
AECEA’s Response
AECEA is carefully reviewing these changes, particularly their implications for educator-directed professional learning, certification advancement, and access to post-secondary study.
Professional learning is foundational to professional identity, quality practice, and workforce retention. Clear, stable, and meaningful access to learning matters.
As more information becomes available, including the approved professional development eligibility list and updated funding guide, we will continue to keep the sector informed and share our analysis.
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