You can download and print a copy of the Application Guide and Application Form from our website. You may also request that these forms be mailed to you by contacting the College and providing us with your full name and mailing address. Application guides and forms may also be picked up at the College’s office.

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2. How do I apply to the College?

Read the Application Guide carefully, which includes the College's "Approved Post Secondary Programs List", then complete all sections of the appropriate Application Form. Incomplete applications cannot be processed and will result in delays.

Include your one-time $85 application fee and $160 registration fee, and mail or drop off your completed Application Form along with all supporting documents to the College.

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3. How long does the application process take?

The College now sends an e-mail or letter to all new applicants with a reference number to acknowledge we have received their documents and are processing them. Applications are dealt with as they are received at the office. Processing time can vary depending on the complexity and completeness of the application. For a typical application that has been completed in full and includes all required documentation, processing time is usually between four to six weeks. You should receive an e-mail or Letter of Acknowledgement within two weeks to notify you of the College's receipt of your application. You will also subsequently be notified if there is any incomplete information in your application package. Please note that all fees paid by cheque are subject to a two-week hold.

Applications that are incomplete or are missing required documentation can result in delays. For example, the following factors can slow down the processing of your application:

• Application Form received by the College is incomplete. Applicants are asked to check their application form before sending it to the College to ensure that all required fields are completed in full. An original Application Form is required – the College does not accept faxed or emailed copies of the Application Form.

• Applicant submitted a wrong application form. This page has information on application forms and guides for various categories of applicants.

• Payment issues, such as non-sufficient funds cheques, post-dated cheques and declined credit cards.

• Transcript(s) are received from the applicant and not directly from the educational institution(s).

• Transcript(s) received by the College are missing information; for example, the transcript does not indicate whether a degree or diploma was granted; the transcript does not indicate the program name; the transcript contains transfer course credits without any indication as to what credit value they carry; the transcript contains typing errors, etc.

• Documentation in support of the name change was not provided. If the name(s) on the applicant's' documents is different from his or her current name, the applicant is required to provide a copy of the legal document authorizing the change of name, i.e., marriage certificate, adoption papers, legal name change certificate, affidavit, etc.

• Proof of citizenship/immigration status in Canada was not provided or the document was expired.

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4. How much does it cost to register with the College?

A one-time application fee of $85 is required for the processing of your application and is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application process. There is no tax payable on the membership fee.

The registration fee of $160 is required for registration as a member. The registration fee will not be refunded if you are issued a Certificate of Registration. An annual fee of $160 is payable on the anniversary of the date your Certificate of Registration is issued.

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5. What are the fees for?

The one-time application fee is used to cover the costs associated with processing your application. The registration fee, as well as the annual membership fee, is used to cover the costs required to operate the College.

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6. How much will it cost to continue to be a member of the College?

An annual membership fee of $160 is payable on or before the anniversary of the date your Certificate of Registration was issued. There is no tax payable on the membership fee.

You must complete your Renewal Form and pay your $160 membership fee each and every year to continue your membership with the College.

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7. To whom are the fees payable and what are the accepted methods of payment?

Fees are to be made payable to the College of Early Childhood Educators in Canadian funds only.

Your fees can be paid by cheque, credit card (excluding American Express and pre-paid credit cards), money order or bank draft in Canadian funds. Any cheque that is not honoured is subject to a $35 processing fee. No postdated cheques or cash will be accepted.

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8. Can an employer pay fees for staff (bulk payments)?

No, not for new applications, only for renewals.

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9. Can I fax my application package?

No. The College requires original signatures of applicants. All applications must be mailed or hand delivered.

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10. Can I drop my application off at your office?

Yes, you can drop your application off at our office during business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday).

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11. What is the College's contact information?

College of Early Childhood Educators
438 University Avenue, Suite 1900
Toronto ON M5G 2K8

Telephone: 416 961-8558
Fax: 416 961-8772
Toll-free: 1 888 961 8558
E-mail: info@college-ece.ca

Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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12. As a recent graduate of an early childhood education program without a diploma yet, can I still apply?

Students in their final semester of a post secondary program that meets the requirements for registration in the College of Early Childhood Educators (the College) can now apply for membership in the College, rather than waiting until their program is completed.

Once the College is in receipt of an application, initial processing will begin. The applicant’s file will remain incomplete until such time as the College receives an official transcript. This official transcript must be sent directly to the College by the post secondary institution, indicating program completion.

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13. When will I receive my receipt?

A receipt will be issued approximately one month after the applicant has been issued a Certificate of Registration by the College.

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14. How do I report an address or name change?

You must contact the College when any of your information has changed, within 30 days of the effective date of the change, to ensure we have the most up-to-date information on file. You can provide your new information to the College by downloading and filling out the Change of Information Form. Fax the completed form to the College at 416 961-8772. You may also e-mail the College with changes to your information. Please include your full name and registration number or application reference number with your new information and address this correspondence to registration@college-ece.ca.

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15. Can I request access to the documents that the College has in my file?

Yes. Please contact the College by e-mail at registration@college-ece.ca to make a request for access to any information or documents the College has in your application file.

The Registrar may refuse to give an applicant anything that may, in the Registrar’s opinion, jeopardize the safety of any person. Early Childhood Educators Act 2007, c.7, Sched. 8, s.26 (2).

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16. I have answered “YES” to one of the questions regarding conduct in section 5 of the Application Form. Does this mean I cannot be a member of the College?

A “YES” response does not necessarily make you ineligible for registration with the College. You will be asked to provide a detailed explanation in writing. You may submit this in a sealed envelope labelled “confidential”. The College reserves the right to decide on an individual basis as to the possible impact of the conduct on the practice of the profession.

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17. Should a copy of my transcript be included in my application?

The College requires that applicants have an official transcript (showing successful program completion and diploma/degree awarded in early childhood education) be mailed directly to the College by the educational institution. The transcript must bear the seal of the institution and be signed by the registrar or equivalent official. Transcripts that have been issued to applicants are not accepted by the College.

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Applicants must provide an original letter on letterhead of AECEO or Aféseo, signed by a senior official. The letter must confirm the issuance of recognition of equivalency certificate or letter of equivalency certificate to the applicant, the date on which the applicant applied to AECEO or Aféseo for the certificate and the date on which the certificate was issued.

Applicants must request that a verification letter from AECEO or Aféseo be sent directly to the College, if their AECEO equivalency certificate or letter was issued prior to April 25, 2011.

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19. What happens if I apply and am not considered eligible for membership in the College?

If an applicant does not meet the requirements for registration, the Registrar may propose to refuse to issue a Certificate of Registration to the applicant or propose to issue a Certificate of Registration with terms, conditions or limitations. The applicant will receive a written proposal from the Registrar that includes reasons for the decision.

If an applicant does not agree with the Registrar's proposal, she/he may request a review by the Registration Appeals Committee of the College by filing a request for review within a 60 day period.

When the request for review is received, the College will send the applicant copies of all of the materials that the Registration Appeals Committee will review when it considers the applicant’s request. The applicant will have 35 days to comment on these materials or provide any additional documents to the Committee.

When the Registration Appeals Committee has completed its review, the applicant will be provided with a written decision and reasons for the decision. If the applicant is not satisfied with the outcome, she/he has the right to a further review of the registration decisions of the Registration Appeals Committee through Ontario Divisional Court in accordance with the Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007.

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20. How do I cancel my application to the College?

If you wish to withdraw your application for registration with the College, please complete the Request for Application Withdrawal Form. Note that while you will receive a refund of the $160 registration fee, if it was paid, the application fee of $85 is non-refundable. Please allow 2-4 weeks for processing your withdrawal request.

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* The College of Early Childhood Educators provides information and communication in an accessible manner when requested. If you require an accessible format and/or communication support, please contact a College staff member or the College at 1-888-961-8558/info@college-ece.ca.