Association of Early Childhood Educators of Alberta (AECEA)

Know an incredible early childhood educator? Help us recognize the meaningful work of early childhood educators across Alberta. Nominations are now open for the 2026 AECEA awards — including our NEW Living Moments of Pedagogy Award. Awards include: • Early Childhood Educator Award of Recognition • Dr. Sherrill Brown Award of Distinction • Living Moments of Pedagogy Award (NEW) Please note that for all 3 awards, eligible nominees must be current AECEA professional members in good standing. Learn more and submit your nomination here: https://aecea.ca/awards

Registration is now open for AECEA’s 2026 Essential Pieces Conference! Join us virtually on May 22–23, 2026, for two days of professional learning, connection, and reflection with early childhood educators, leaders, and advocates from across Alberta and beyond. This year’s theme, Threads of Belonging – Weaving Identity, Leadership & Community, invites us to explore how belonging is created through our relationships, our practices, and our shared commitment to children, families, and the profession. Conference highlights include: • Inspiring keynote speakers • Interactive workshops • Panel discussions • Meaningful conversations around leadership, identity, belonging, educator well-being, and sustainable practice Whether you attend Leaders’ Day, Educators’ Day, or the full conference, there is something for everyone in early learning and child care. This conference has been approved for up to $241.50 for professional development funding and up to 13.75 hours of release time funding for all levels of early childhood educators through the Early Childhood Educator Workforce Supports Program. Learn more and register now: aecea.ca/2026-conference We look forward to learning with you. #AECEA #EssentialPiecesConference #EarlyChildhoodEducators #EarlyLearningAndChildCare #ProfessionalLearning #Leadership #Belonging #ECEConference

The Guiding Principles comes to life through practice. We are creating a collection of real examples from educators across Alberta, highlighting how the principles are lived out in everyday moments. We’re inviting you to contribute: A moment from your practice A reflection or short scenario An example of a decision, interaction, or experience Submissions may be included within the published document of diverse examples. Individuals can choose to remain anonymous. There is no “perfect” example, just real experiences from practice. Find more info and contribute your example: https://lnkd.in/gaMAcDXj

The Guiding Principles for Ethical Practice reflect 9 shared commitments. The principles are interconnected, each informs and strengths the others. Explore the full document: https://ow.ly/KwjX50YLl8Q

Happy Earth Day 🌎 Today is a reminder of our responsibility to care for the planet we share. Early learning plays an important role in building environmental awareness and stewardship. Together, we nurture a sustainable future.

We’re proud to share that the Guiding Principles for Ethical Practice in ECE is now available! This document was shaped alongside educators, students, and sector partners, and reflects our shared commitments to ethical practice. Explore the full document here: https://lnkd.in/g4ge6Sa6

Every day in early learning and care, educators make countless decisions. Some are simple. Others are complex, uncertain, and deeply relational. Ethical practice gives us a foundation to: • navigate those moments with care • honour children’s rights and autonomy • build meaningful, trusting relationships • act with integrity and accountability It helps us move from “what should I do?” to “what aligns with our values and commitments?”

Ethical practice is at the heart of early learning and child care. It’s not just about following rules or policies. It’s about how we show up in our decisions, our relationships, and our everyday moments with children, families, and colleagues. Ethical practice lives in: • the choices we make • the values we hold • the way we care, respond, and reflect

Early childhood education is stronger when we all show up. We’re excited to introduce AECEA’s Supporting Membership. This is a new way for those outside the profession to stand alongside educators and champion a well-supported ELCC sector. Whether you're a family member, community partner, researcher, or advocate, your support helps amplify educator voices and strengthen the profession across Alberta. Join us in building a stronger future for early childhood education here: https://lnkd.in/gWvq2kf6

Over the past months, we’ve been working alongside educators, students, and sector partners to develop something new. A shared resource to support ethical practice in early childhood education. The Guiding Principles are grounded in: • relationships • rights • responsibility • reflection We can’t wait to share it with you soon.