Newcomers to Canada who meet the eligibility requirements, including CLB Level 6 English, limited work hours, and specific immigration status.
The Language Support for Newcomers for Childcare Level 1 (LESC:L1) Program is designed to help newcomers improve their English proficiency while gaining the foundational skills needed to work in early childhood education settings.
Led by Francophonie Albertaine Plurielle (FRAP) in the Wood Buffalo Region, in collaboration with Keyano College, this no-cost program combines classroom-based language training with hands-on employment support to help participants transition into Alberta’s childcare workforce.
Program Details
Classroom-Based Training
- Location: Keyano College, Clearwater Campus
- Schedule: 18 sessions for 16 weeks (3-hour session on Fridays)
- Cohort 1: September 4, 2026 - December 18, 2026
- Cohort 2: January 8, 2027 - April 23, 2027
- Note: Includes two extended sessions during first and final weeks
Employment Support Training
- Location: In-person with FRAP at a local childcare employer
- Schedule: 3-hour session on Fridays for 8 weeks
- Cohort 1: January 8, 2027 - February 26, 2027
- Cohort 2: May 7, 2027 - June 25, 2027
- Note: Must complete classroom training before employment support begins
Practicum
- Location: Various licensed childcare facilities within Fort McMurray
- Schedule: 20-hours per week for 4 weeks
- Note: Practicum may be completed during the Employment Support Training timeframe OR after depending on availability.
What You’ll Learn
Participants will develop both professional English communication and workplace readiness in the childcare sector.
Key outcomes include:
- English language proficiency at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 6+
- Communication skills for childcare settings
- Familiarity with Alberta’s early childhood education standards
- Canadian workplace culture and expectations
- Resume writing, interview skills, and job search techniques
Admission Requirements
To qualify for this program, you must:
- Be a Permanent Resident, Naturalized Canadian Citizen, or Convention Refugee
- Be unemployed or working fewer than 20 hours per week
- Not be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI)
- Have completed or currently attend CLB 6 LINC classes OR be assessed at CLB Level 6 or higher
- Provide a clear Criminal Record – Vulnerable Sector Check
Tuition and Funding
Cost: Free for all eligible participants
Funded By: This program is supported by the Government of Alberta through the Settlement, Integration, and Language Projects (SILP) grant under the Ministry of Immigration and Multiculturalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for this program?
Yes. Thanks to funding from the Government of Alberta, there is no cost for eligible participants.
What level of English do I need?
You need to be assessed at CLB Level 6 or higher, or be currently enrolled in a LINC program at that level.
Do I need experience in childcare?
No prior experience is required. This program is designed as an entry point into the childcare field.
Can I take this program online?
No. This program is delivered fully in person to ensure maximum language immersion and practical learning.
Do I get a job after finishing?
Employment is not guaranteed, but the program includes work-readiness support and a practicum with local employers to help participants find meaningful work in the sector.
Questions About Applying?
If you have any questions about the application process, visit the FRAP Office at BL130, email info.wbr@frap.ca, or call 780-750-8154.