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Information for Employers

What is the Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) Program?

The Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) Program is an ongoing professional learning program that is grounded in self-reflection, self-directed learning and the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. 

The CPL Program is designed to support RECEs to:

  • Enhance their knowledge and skills
  • Strengthen their professional judgment
  • Improve their practice throughout their career

It also communicates to families, colleagues and the public that RECEs are members of a distinct profession that demonstrates accountability, maintains public trust, remains current in practice and values ongoing professional learning.

The CPL Program requirements are described in the Notice of Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) Program Requirements.

Why are RECEs required to engage in the College’s CPL Program?

Ontario Regulation 359/15: Continuous Professional Learning, made under the Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007, requires all RECEs to fulfill the requirements of the College’s CPL Program. 

As regulated professionals, all RECEs are required to fulfill the CPL requirements, regardless of employment status, role, or practice setting. This includes members who are retired or working outside the scope of practice.

The CPL Program requirements are described in the Notice of Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) Program Requirements.

How can employers support RECEs in their completion of the CPL Program requirements?

Employers can support RECEs by understanding the CPL Program, which includes Educational Requirements and the CPL Portfolio Cycle. Other ways to offer support are providing opportunities for discussion sharing of ideas and resources, and offering time for RECEs to complete requirements. Through the performance management process, employers may collaborate with an RECE to develop portfolio goals that are mutually beneficial, both to the RECE as a professional and to the employer.

I provide professional development opportunities to staff. Will RECEs be able to use these opportunities to meet their CPL Portfolio requirements?

We know that many employers are committed to ongoing professional learning, and many provide learning opportunities to their staff on a regular basis. An RECE will be able to document a learning activity, in which they participated through their employer, if it connects to their current CPL portfolio goal(s).

Do RECEs have to submit or share their CPL Program records with employers?

RECEs are not required to submit or share their CPL Program records with their employer. RECEs may choose to keep their records confidential.

However, in cases where RECEs are supported by their employers to participate in the CPL Program, sharing of the CPL records may be agreed upon by the employer and the employee.

CPL Portfolios may provide a focus for employee performance management discussions or be integrated into processes and assist in planning professional learning experiences for an RECE.

Are employers responsible for ensuring staff are complying with the CPL Program requirements?

RECEs have an individual professional responsibility to participate in the CPL Program. Employers are not responsible for ensuring that their employees are compliant with the CPL Program requirements.

Employers, however, can support RECEs by understanding the CPL Program’s Educational Requirements and the CPL Portfolio Cycle. Other ways to offer support include providing discussion opportunities, sharing of ideas and resources and offering time for RECEs to complete their CPL requirements. Through the performance management process, employers may also collaborate with an RECE to develop portfolio goals that are mutually beneficial.

Are there consequences if an RECE does not complete the CPL requirements?

Yes. An RECE’s Certificate of Registration may be suspended by the Registrar if they do not comply with a requirement of the CPL Program. These requirements are set out in regulation under the Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007. RECEs who falsely declare compliance with their CPL Program requirements could be found guilty of professional misconduct.

To learn more, read the Notice of CPL Program Requirements.

How can RECEs confirm where they should be in their CPL Program requirements?

RECEs can review the Timeline Chart to find out when they start the revised Continuous Professional Learning Program. RECEs can log into My College Account to check their current requirement in the CPL tab.

What should an RECE do if they’re not able to complete their CPL requirements due to illness or personal circumstances?

In extenuating circumstances, RECEs may be granted a deferral of their CPL Program requirements. A CPL Deferral Request Form and supporting documents can be submitted to the College through My College Account. It is recommended that RECEs submit a request for deferral as soon as possible once the extenuating circumstance arises.

What is the Expectations for Practice Module?

RECEs are required to complete the Expectations for Practice Module within their first year of membership. The module takes about 1.5 hours to complete and includes topics related to:

  • Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007
  • RECE professional and ethical responsibilities 
  • College Council and committees
  • Professional misconduct, incompetence and incapacity
What is the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program?

This mandatory CPL educational requirement for RECEs is now available through My College Account, at any time and at no cost, in English and French. The Sexual Abuse Prevention Program consist of three required elements:

  • Commit to Kids – Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Training
  • Teatree Tells – Put into Practice
  • College Resources to Review

The program will build on the skills and knowledge RECEs already have in sexual abuse prevention and equip them to apply it in their work.

For more information, visit the College website here.

Can RECEs complete the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program before they’re required to begin?

Yes, all members will have access to the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program as of July 1, 2022. RECEs can complete it at any time; however, they’re still required to complete their current CPL requirements up until their next renewal date. They will declare that they have completed the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program on the schedule outlined in the Timeline Chart, even if they have completed it early.

Can RECEs complete the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program with another colleague or as a staff team?

Yes. RECEs may choose to complete the program alone or with colleagues. Engaging in reflection and dialogue with colleagues may enhance learning. Each member must complete the knowledge validation test and quiz in their own profile and confirm completion of the program components upon renewal.

What is the CPL Portfolio Cycle 2022?

The CPL Portfolio Cycle 2022 is a one-year portfolio process where RECEs reflect on their practice, develop one professional learning goal, and plan, and engage in and document their professional learning activities.

The CPL Portfolio includes two required components:

  1. Reflection and Planning Tool
  2. Record of Professional Learning

The CPL Portfolio Cycle 2022 components and handbook are available here. Completing the CPL Portfolio Cycle 2022, however, is optional during the year that a member is completing the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program educational requirement.

Beginning July 2023, renewing members will start the new one-year CPL Portfolio Cycle upon renewal.

For more information, please review the Timeline Chart here.

What is the difference between CPL Portfolio Cycle 2019 and 2022?

The CPL Portfolio 2022 is a simplified version of CPL Portfolio 2019 version .

CPL Portfolio 2019 CPL Portfolio 2022
Two-year cycle One-year cycle
Three required learning goals One required learning goal

Three Portfolio components:

  1. Self-assessment Tool
  2. Professional Learning Plan
  3. Record of Professional Learning

Two Portfolio components:

  1. Reflection and Planning Tool
  2. Record of Professional Learning

Where can I find out more information about the CPL Program requirements and resources for RECEs?

Visit the CPL Program page on the College website for information and resources.

You can also contact the Professional Practice Department by email at cpl@college-ece.ca or by telephone at 1 888 961-8558.