Alberta Program Study Tour 2025
Travel locally, network provincially.
What is a Program Study Tour?
ARCQE’s Alberta Program Study Tour is an opportunity to learn from one another and explore how Edmonton programs interpret and apply early learning and child care practices in different ways. Through site visits and guided discussions, participants engage directly with fellow educators, reflect on what they’ve seen, and consider how new ideas might be applied in their own early learning environments.
This tour encourages community engagement, reflective practice, questioning, and connection. By working together as a sector to strengthen the quality of care, the standard of early learning and care across Alberta is elevated. Let the work of others inspire and impact your own practice.
Tour Options
The study tour is Friday, November 21, 2025, from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There are three tour route options to choose from. Each route option includes visits to two predetermined Edmonton child care programs. Participants will begin their tour at ECC, and hop on a bus that will take them to one of the locations. You will have a break, and then the bus will take you to your second location.
Option 1:
- Location 1A: Jasper Place
- Locations 1B: Intercultural Child and Family Services
Option 2:
- Location 2A: YMCA Kipnes Child Care
- Location 2B: Terra Centre
Option 3:
- Location 3A Fulton Child Care
- Location 3B Allen Grey
Study Tour Schedule
- 7:45am | Bus from the ECC
ARCQE Team Members will be at the ECC Main Entrance on Jasper Avenue for roll call to organize everyone in their Tour Route Groups. Buses will pick up groups at 7:45 sharp, make sure you’re on time so you don’t miss the bus! - 8:30am – 10:00am | Tour 1
After your first tour is done, your group will get back on the bus to be transported to your second location. - 10:30am – 12:00pm | Tour 2
Enjoy your second tour of the day and then get bussed back to the ECC. - 12:30 – 1:30 | Lunch Break
With a full hour for lunch, take advantage of the delicious eats downtown Edmonton has to offer. Join a guided group heading to one of two nearby spots: avoid the cold and take the pedway to the City Centre Mall food court, or enjoy the Quick Menu at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. You’re welcome to explore other options on your own- check out the ‘About the Area’ page for local spots to eat!Please be back at the ECC in Hall B by 1:30 PM sharp to start our afternoon panel discussion.
- 1:30 – 3:00 | Panel Discussion and Reflection time
This is your chance to vocalize your curiosity and network with the ECC community while hearing from our feature program panelists. This moderated event relies on your participation, don’t be shy!
We have savings for you!
Ticket Deals
Take advantage of Early Bird Deals and Dual Experience tickets to save!
Early Bird deals are on from now until September 15, 2025. Check out the Dual Experience tickets to combine your Study Tour adventures with the immersive experience of ARCQE's National Child Day Conference.
Who is it for?
These tours are for anyone interested in learning more about Edmonton-based programs in the early learning and care sector. ARCQE encourages all early childhood educators, childcare professionals, program leaders and directors, post-secondary instructors or anyone else whose work supports children from birth to age 12.
Cost and Inclusions:
We have options for you!
- Early Bird Study Tour Ticket: $100
- Study Tour Ticket: $125
- Early Bird Dual Experience Ticket (conference and study tour): $389
- Regular Dual Experience Ticket (conference and study tour): $439
Cost includes transportation, a snack on the bus, 2 program location tours, and program panel and reflective discussion. Participants are responsible for the costs of their own lunch.
Transportation
Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to the Edmonton Convention Centre on the morning before the Alberta Program Study Tour begins. The Edmonton Convention Centre is where participants will register and meet up with their tour groups. Transportation will be provided for the Study Tour itself.
Registration Information
Registration is open! Available until November 9, 2025, or until all 105 spots are taken. Secure your spot today!
Why It Matters
You will connect with peers who are equally dedicated to raising the standard of early learning and care across Alberta. ARCQE has previously hosted study tours to international destinations and plans to do so again in the future. While Edmonton may not offer the same kind of travel experience, there is incredible value in learning from programs right here in the province.
This Alberta-based tour focuses on building connections, sharing knowledge, and learning within the context of local early learning environments. By visiting Edmonton centres, you’ll gain practical insights into how others are implementing curriculum, navigating challenges, supporting their local communities and enhancing the quality of early learning and care in both Alberta and Canadian contexts.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about the Alberta Program Study Tour
This tour has limited capacity. There are only 105 spots available! Register now to join this incredible learning experience.
Pack light! There is limited space in the child care facilities. Indoor shoes will be necessary if it is wet or snowy outside. Select tours will visit outdoor spaces; please dress accordingly.
Lunch is not provided. There is an hour lunch break between the study tour and the panel and reflective discussion where participants are free to leave the Edmonton Convention Centre to find lunch. Guided groups will go to a variety of nearby restaurants, but participants are also free to explore on their own.
The Alberta Program Study Tour does not qualify for Professional Development (PD) Funding or Release Time (RT) Funding.
No, the tour routes are predetermined. Participants must visit the two child care programs assigned to their selected route.
Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to the Edmonton Convention Centre on the morning before the Alberta Program Study Tour begins. The Edmonton Convention Centre is where participants will register and meet up with their tour groups. Transportation will be provided for the Study Tour itself.
Please contact [email protected] with any further questions.