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 mandatory for all RECEs.
The program 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 in:
- enhancing their knowledge and skills;
- strengthening their professional judgment; and
- improving 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.
As part of the CPL Program, members must complete:
Educational Requirements
This module explains an RECE’s professional and ethical responsibilities and must be completed in their first year of membership.
This prevention program is an educational requirement that empowers RECEs with proactive approaches to help prevent child sexual abuse.
CPL Portfolio Cycle
The CPL Portfolio Cycle is a one-year portfolio process where RECEs reflect on their practice, develop one professional learning goal, and plan, engage in and document their professional learning activities.
Learn more in the Notice of Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) Program Requirements.
Why are RECEs required to participate 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, 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 the requirements of the program. Through employee performance and development processes, employers may collaborate with an RECE to develop CPL Portfolio Cycle 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 Cycle requirements?
We know that many employers are committed to ongoing professional development, 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, for their CPL Portfolio Cycle provided it connects to their current CPL Portfolio Cycle goal.
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 and development 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 the requirements of the program. Through employee performance and development processes, employers may also collaborate with an RECE to develop CPL Portfolio Cycle goals that are mutually beneficial, both to the RECE as a professional and to the employer.
Are there consequences if an RECE does not complete the CPL Program 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 log into My College Account to check their current requirement in the Continuous Professional Learning tab.
What should an RECE do if they’re not able to complete their CPL requirements due to parental leave, 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?
This module explains an RECE’s professional and ethical responsibilities and must be completed in their first year of membership. The module takes about 1.5 hours to complete and includes topics related to:
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- 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?
The Sexual Abuse Prevention Program is a component of the College’s Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) Program and must be completed by all RECEs. The program supports RECEs’ commitment to the personal safety, health, and well-being of all children and empowers them with proactive approaches to help prevent child sexual abuse.
The program also builds on the skills and knowledge registered early childhood educators (RECEs) already have in this area and provides an opportunity to reinforce the position of trust they have with families and their community in terms of child protection.
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
This educational program is available through My College Account, at any time and at no cost, in English and French.
Learn more about the program here.
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.
Although the program is designed with a focus on prevention, the College recognizes that participating in the program can be emotionally, mentally and physically distressing for RECEs given the sensitive nature of the content.. For some, it can be particularly difficult due to lived experience(s). Supporting resources have been designed and developed to provide RECEs with information on:
- how to care for themselves, and possibly other RECEs; and
- how to find professional help for additional support, if required.
For information on supports, review Caring for Self and Others or visit the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program webpage here.
What is the CPL Portfolio Cycle?
The CPL Portfolio Cycle is a one-year portfolio process where RECEs reflect on their practice, develop one professional learning goal, plan, and engage in and document their professional learning activities.
The CPL Portfolio includes two components:
- Reflection and Planning Tool
- Record of Professional Learning
The CPL Portfolio Cycle components and handbook are available here.
Beginning July 2023, renewing members will start the one-year CPL Portfolio Cycle upon renewal.
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.