An Educators Guide to Rights in the Classroom

This webinar provides early childhood educators with a high-level, engaging overview of children’s rights and how to integrate a rights-based approach into early learning environments. This session presents the material in an accessible and practical way, focusing on foundational knowledge of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, educator responsibilities, and meaningful child participation. Participants will explore key rights (such as play, health, culture, and best interests), learn how to create supportive, inclusive environments, and gain access to an evaluation toolkit and curated resources. Educators will be left with an advocacy component that emphasizes actionable steps within centers and communities, ensuring participants leave empowered to implement and promote children’s rights in their daily practice.

Professional Development Funding (Government of Alberta) 

Last updated in 2024 - make sure to look at the Alberta Goverment website for the most up to date and accurate information.

Professional development funding is available to early childhood educators holding a valid Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 certification and working within a licensed facility-based child care program and licensed family day home agencies. Funding supports include:

• Post-secondary coursework and workbooks: Up to $1500/year

• Workshops and conferences: Up to $500/year

Paid Release Time Grant

The paid release time grant allows educators to be paid for time while studying, completing post-secondary coursework, and attending approved workshops and conferences.

Funding rates for early childhood educators are:

• $800 per post-secondary course

• $17.50 per hour (for up to 45 hours per year) for workshops and conferences

Funding rates for programs to offset wage related expenses:

• $60 per post-secondary course

• $1.33 per hour (for up to 45 hours) for workshops and conferences

Eligibility:

Professional development grant funding is available to ECEs who are paid employees, who meet the following requirements:

• provide direct child care, including program supervisors (as defined in the Early Learning and Child Care Regulation), as well as individuals hired by licensed family day home agencies as agency coordinators or home visitors/consultants.

• Certified as Early Childhood Educators, Level 1, 2, or 3

• Canadian citizens or official Permanent Residents of Canada

• Worked at least 29 hours in at least one month from the date of the expenditure or the date the application was received.

• Submitted a Professional Development Funding Request Form, and made a payment for the course, workshop or conference within the same fiscal year.

For more information, or to apply for PD Funding, please visit https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-child-care-grant-funding-program.aspx or email Alberta Child Care Grant Funding at cs.childcarefunding@gov.ab.ca

Click Here to Download the Alberta Childcare Funding Guide