The True Post (Web News)The Alberta government acknowledges that the teachers’ strike may create uncertainty. To support families and students during this period, the government is introducing additional measures. Along with these new steps, the province will provide a free educational toolkit for parents to help their children continue learning while schools remain closed. Families will also be eligible for financial assistance of up to $150 per student per week to help cover childcare and educational support costs.
To ease the financial burden on families needing extra childcare during the strike, the government will increase the full-time out-of-school care funding rate for eligible children in grades 1 to 6 throughout October. This temporary increase will take effect after five consecutive strike days, raising the maximum rate to $644 the same rate provided for full-time summer care.
To ensure students continue learning with flexibility, the Alberta government is temporarily removing the annual 10-credit limit, allowing students in grades 10 to 12 to earn credits during the strike through distance learning programs at independent schools.
Parents also have the option to enroll their children in a home education program under the supervision of an accredited independent school. In such cases, both the family and the supervising school will each be eligible to receive 50% of the home education grant, up to $450.50 per child.
A government spokesperson stated that while the province is disappointed by the ATA’s decision to strike, the focus remains on what matters most — children and their education. The additional supports will help families, ensure students continue learning, and give parents greater choice in how and where their children are educated.
