Professional Development

Investment in professional development is critical for the early learning and child care sector as it helps to empower the workforce and provide the necessary skills and knowledge supporting high-quality care for children. Through workshops, conferences, seminars and scholarly reading, early childhood educators can stay ahead on the latest research, best practices, and regulations in the field. Continuous learning fosters the holistic development of children, promotes their safety and well-being, and creates a nurturing environment that supports their growth.

Follow the links below to learn more about child care learning opportunities and how to access training.

Board Governance
A variety of leadership and governance training opportunities are available to provide direct support Centre directors and board members to effectively fulfill their responsibilities. These include The Basics of Effective Board Governance online training series, Board Governance Manual and implementation services, and additional board governance learning resources.

 

Science of Early Child Development (SECD)
SECD bring research and concepts to life with hundreds of readings, videos, links, interactive activities and questions for reflection supporting  independent study, personal learning, post-secondary teaching, staff orientation and parent education. Manitoba access only

• SECD Resource Portal
  Access current and interactive research to learn more about the impact of early experience on lifelong health and well-being.
• SECD Self-Study Professional Development Module Portal
  Provides a variety of free one hour professional development sessions related to early child development.

Circle of Security / CARE Childcare Attachment and Relationship Education
Circle of Security is an internationally recognized early intervention program designed to strengthen the relationship between a caregiver and a child, supporting child care providers in gaining competence in helping children manage their emotions and hence their behaviors.

 

Volunteer Manitoba Professional Development Subsidy
Volunteer Manitoba’s Professional Development Subsidy Program helps non-profit organizations access affordable training opportunities across the province. The program covers up to 75% of the cost of training.

Whether you’re looking to develop your own expertise or train your team , this initiative provides financial support for skill-building that helps to strengthen leadership, enhances fundraising, and increases community impact.

https://www.volunteermanitoba.ca/professional-development-subsidy

Winter Intake Deadline: January 15, 2026

 

Blooming Words® Training for Child Care Staff – No Cost 2025/2026
Blooming Words® is a standardized, evidence-informed early language stimulation program for children from birth to kindergarten age. It was developed by speech-language pathologists in Quebec in partnership with the non-profit organization API-Enfance and is now being offered province-wide through the Children’s Therapy Network of Manitoba (CTNM).

Blooming Words® is being offered for free in 2025/2026 to interested licensed early learning and child care centres (including nursery schools) in Manitoba. Participating centres identify child care staff to take part in Blooming Words® Facilitator training, equipping them to deliver the program directly within their own centre. This program is available in English and French and has been successfully adapted for use in early learning settings by child care professionals and educators.

Blooming Words® Facilitator Initial Training – Education Model (‘train the trainer’ training)

• English: January 20, 2026 from 9:00am to 12:00pm (CST)
• NEW DATE: French: February 11, 2026 12:00pm to 3:00 pm (CST)
• NEW DATE: English: February 20, 2026 from 9:00am to 12:00pm (CST)

Learn more at Blooming Words® Program website: https://api-enfance.ca/en/blooming-words/ or contact: bloomingwords@rccinc.ca

 

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): Level II Training – No Cost 2025/2026
Developed by the Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD), the advanced FASD Level ll course builds on the free Foundations in FASD Level I training for Manitobans and offers practical, evidence based strategies tailored for those working directly with children.

Funded through Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, FASD Level II is intended for all educators working with children and youth with FASD including teachers, educational assistants, and Early Childhood Educators (ECEs), Child Care Assistants (CCAs), and support staff, with costs waived for 2025/2026. The level ll course provides the perspective of individuals who have FASD and their caregivers, is evidence-based and current, employs a culturally sensitive approach, and is presented in a way that is responsive to educators.

For further course details and to register:
FASD for School Staff Level ll - Practical Strategies for the School Environment - No cost for child care providers until March 31, 2026.

To access details and registration information for Level 1 and/or other related FASD e-learning courses applicable to child care providers, visit Courses – CanFASD ELearning.

 

Workshops and Seminars

Manitoba Child Care Association
Provides professional development opportunities for early learning and child care professionals that are available to both members and non-members throughout the year. Highlights include a fall workshop series and conferences on important topics in the child care sector. A training series is also available for directors and assistant directors through Managing and Leading 2.0.

Fédération des parents de la francophonie manitobaine
Offers a series of educational workshops and conferences for early learning and child care professionals which are presented in French. 

St. Amant
Offers workshop series ‘Fulfilling Potential’ supporting children with diverse needs, including topics such as challenging behaviors and Autism Spectrum Disorder. An initiative supported by Canada-Manitoba ELCC agreement.