Important

The Alberta Child Care Leadership Bursary Program is a provincial grant that was put in place for three years to help child care staff further their post-secondary training. To date, over 300 individuals have been approved for the Leadership Bursary.  This program has been extended until March 31, 2011. We will be accepting applications until September 30, 2010. All applicants wishing to apply for the Alberta Child Care Leadership Bursary Program must do so before September 30, 2010 or your application will be deemed ineligible for funding. 

 Child Care Bursary for leaders in the child care community

Alberta Children and Youth Services has provided funding for the Alberta Child Care Association to establish and administer a three year educational bursary worth $1.95 million for child care staff working in Alberta.

The bursaries are intended to further the education of leaders, or those aspiring to leadership positions in the child care field and who work directly with children and families. Individuals may be eligible for bursaries up to a maximum of $10,000 per person.

Read frequently asked questions about the bursary.

Download full details and an application for the bursary.

Tell us how has your education impacted your childcare career.

What Does The Bursary Cover?

The Bursary covers:

• tuition for courses at accredited post-secondary institutions;
• costs for required books and course material; and
• a maximum amount of $500 per year towards travel costs (if the applicant lives a significant distance of more than 100 kilometers from the Alberta educational institution they are attending). Applicants requesting reimbursement for courses / programs outside Alberta must provide evidence that the program is not available inside the province.

The maximum disbursement per bursary will not exceed $10,000 (inclusive of all costs). Tuition costs will be paid directly to the educational institution with other costs reimbursed with receipts.

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible for the Bursary, you must: 

• work for a licensed child care program (day care centre, nursery school, out-of-school care), an approved family day home or day home agency in Alberta;
• be a resident of Alberta for at least one year (a photocopy of a current Alberta Driver’s License is requested); and
• hold, or be in training for, a leadership position (executive director, director, assistant director, program director, program supervisor, owner/operator), and have direct contact with children and families.

How Do I Apply?

To apply for the Bursary you must:

• provide written confirmation of acceptance and enrollment in an approved program;
• sign a learning agreement indicating your commitment to complete the educational credentials in a timely manner after receiving the bursary;
• commit to remain in the child care field for a minimum of one year of service for each year covered by the bursary;
• provide written confirmation from your employer indicating support for the application and a commitment to making time available, accessing relief staff, etc.
• declare all sources of funding and/or supports being received for the proposed training; and
• submit your application no later than seven weeks prior to the beginning of classes.

Are There Other Funding Options?

Another programme available for educational financial supports is the Part-Time Bursary Grant offered through Alberta Employment and Immigration.

Several types of training supports are available for individuals studying on a part or full-time basis. You can call 310-0000 and ask to be connected to the nearest office responsible for providing Financial Supports for Training or you can access further information by clicking here…