Language Support for Newcomers
for Childcare Level 1

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Credential

Non-credit

Length

24 weeks (3 hours per week)

Delivery

In-person

Work Integrated Learning

4-week placement

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.

What You'll Learn

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English language proficiency at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4+

A boy and a girl icon

Communication skills for childcare settings

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Familiarity with Alberta’s early childhood education standards

Canadian workplace culture and expectations

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Resume writing, interview skills, and job search techniques

Career Opportunities

This program helps newcomers build the language, workplace, and practical skills needed to begin working in Alberta’s childcare sector. It can support learners to:

  • Apply for entry-level childcare jobs
  • Complete Alberta’s Early Childhood Educator Level 1 certification
  • Gain practical experience through a childcare practicum
  • Prepare for work in licensed childcare settings
An educator works with two young children on a hands-on learning activity in a classroom.

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 with an employment support advisor
  • 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.

Please Note:

Keyano College reserves the right to modify the syllabus, curriculum, or schedule of any course/program, or to cancel a course/program entirely, at any time and for any reason. Such changes may be necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, regulatory requirements, or to ensure the highest quality of education.

Students will be notified of any significant changes as soon as possible. Keyano College is not responsible for any inconvenience or disruption caused by these changes. It is the responsibility of the students to stay informed about any updates or modifications to their courses.

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 4 LINC classes OR be assessed at CLB Level 4 or higher
  • Provide a clear Criminal Record – Vulnerable Sector Check
  • 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

Newcomers to Canada who meet the eligibility requirements, including CLB Level 4 English, limited work hours, and specific immigration status.

Yes. Thanks to funding from the Government of Alberta, there is no cost for eligible participants.

You need to be assessed at CLB Level 4 or higher, or be currently enrolled in a LINC program at that level.

No prior experience is required. This program is designed as an entry point into the childcare field.

No. This program is delivered fully in person to ensure maximum language immersion and practical learning.

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.

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Questions About Applying?

Enroll today and build the skills employers are looking for.

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.

Apply Now