'It just really sort of sunk in for me that this year going forward is going to be a very different year than we've ever had before."

The YMCA in Lethbridge has opened its doors to early learning students from Coalbanks Elementary School this fall to help remedy overcrowding issues amid the pandemic.

Global News spoke with Alberta Education Minister Adriana LaGrange Tuesday for an in-depth interview on how she feels the government's plan for schools amid COVID-19 has been going.

Education Minister Adriana LaGrange said on Wednesday she has directed her department to transfer the funding to the school divisions as soon as the province receives it.

Premier Jason Kenney said Alberta's education minister is consulting with school boards and superintendents on where Alberta's $262 million should be spent.

The Alberta Teachers' Association asked Education Minister Adriana LaGrange to delay the school year's start at an in-person meeting Wednesday. 

People rallied outside Adriana LaGrange's office in Red Deer on Tuesday, protesting the province's back-to-school plan as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on.

Saskatchewan joined B.C. in delaying the return to school by a few days to allow teachers into their classrooms and get a handle on the conditions.

Teachers believe there are "serious problems" with the government's plan for returning to school amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister LaGrange said the new curriculum is a return to "proven teaching methods."