Resources for parents, students coming in the event of Alberta teachers strike

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Alberta teachers have rejected a four-year deal, meaning a strike is on the horizon if no deal is reached by Oct. 6.

In the event of a strike, the Alberta government has developed a plan to support kids and keep them learning while paying parents back for unexpected education expenses.

The plan includes a new payment program to directly support parents experiencing financial strains because of the strike.

This program would be available to parents and guardians of students aged 12 and under who attend a public, separate or francophone school and are affected by teacher strikes.

Eligible parents or guardians would receive $30 per day, or $150 per week, per student for the duration of the ATA’s labour action with first payments made on Oct. 31.

The payments would support families while students are unable to attend school to help offset additional costs like childcare, educational supports such as tutoring, or other activities to keep students engaged.

“I’m disappointed that ATA members have rejected the settlement, choosing instead to go on strike. Students and families need to know we will support them during this time of uncertainty, so we are releasing our plan today to provide payments directly to families and to support at-home student learning,” said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.

An online learning toolkit following the grades K-12 curriculum has also been developed to support students with at-home learning.

The resources are available in English, French and French immersion and focus on the core subjects of language arts, social studies, math and sciences and the resources will be updated weekly.

“We understand that the possibility of a teacher strike brings uncertainty and concerns for families. That’s why Alberta’s government is supporting families with practical tools and resources to help maintain their child’s learning if schools are closed. This parent toolkit offers flexibility, choice, and curriculum-aligned materials to empower families, ease the pressure they’re facing and keep students engaged,” said Alberta Minister of Education and Childcare, Demetrios Nicolaides.

Alberta’s government has estimated that 80,000 new students joined the education system in the last two years alone.