The University of Lethbridge has announced more spaces for future educators.
Thanks to funding support from the provincial government, the Bachelor of Education in Early Years program has been expanded. The funding, made by Alberta’s Ministry of Advanced Education through the Targeted Enrolment Expansion, has resulted in the program expanding its cohort size from 40 to 80 seats to start the fall 2026 term.
The four-year program, introduced in 2024, offers specialized preparation for students who wish to teach kindergarten to grade three. The program was designed around an interdisciplinary kindergarten to grade three framework that recognizes the distinct learning and development needs of young children.
“We know the demand for qualified teachers is high, particularly in kindergarten to grade three, where a solid foundation for learning is pivotal to later success,” said Faculty of Education Dean, Dr. Lisa Starr.
“That foundation is best laid by educators with strong backgrounds in literacy, numeracy, inclusive education, child development and relationship-based teaching; all main focuses of the program.”
Early Years students get the same field experience as every Bachelor of Education student at the Lethbridge post-secondary, including spending 27 weeks learning alongside mentor teachers in real classrooms.
“Being able to double our cohort size means that we can continue to make a positive impact on the education system in southern Alberta and beyond,” added Starr.
“This expansion is an example of what can happen when government, schools and universities work together to respond to the needs of learners and the education system.”
More on the program is available on the University of Lethbridge website.
