CPL Program FAQs

The CPL program is designed to support RECEs to systematically and intentionally increase their knowledge and skills, strengthen their professional judgment, and improve their practice with others throughout their career. Ongoing professional learning communicates to families, colleagues and the public that you are a member of a distinct profession that demonstrates accountability, maintains public trust and remains current in practice.​

Yes. Ontario Regulation 359/15: Continuous Professional Learning under the Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007, requires you to fulfill the requirements of the CPL program.

RECEs are required to complete the Expectations for Practice Module within their first year of membership. After renewing, RECEs must complete a CPL Portfolio Cycle every two years while they are a member of the College. CPL is an ongoing, recurring process. 

Information about the required steps, timelines, record keeping and the auditing process are explained in the Notice of CPL Program Requirements​.

RECEs must take part in Continuous Professional Learning throughout their career in order to remain a member of the College. RECEs are required to complete the Expectations for Practice Module within their first year of membership. The module takes about 1.5 hours and is available on our website.

After renewing, RECEs must complete the components of the CPL Portfolio and engage in activities over a two-year process. The number of hours necessary to complete a two-year CPL Portfolio Cycle will depend on the nature of the goals and the types of activities chosen. CPL is an ongoing, recurring process. RECEs will need to complete a CPL Portfolio Cycle every two years while they are a member of the College.

More information can be found in the Notice of CPL Program Requirements​.

The CPL Portfolio Cycle is a two-year process where RECEs reflect on their practice, develop a learning plan, and engage in and document their professional learning activities. RECEs must complete a CPL Portfolio Cycle every two years while they are a member of the College.

The CPL Portfolio includes three required components:
1. Self-Assessment Tool
2. Professional Learning Plan
3. Record of Professional Learning ​

To learn more, read the CPL Portfolio Handbook​.

Yes. The CPL Portfolio is different than a general professional portfolio.​

No. You are not required to complete a specific number of hours or take part in specific activities, workshops or courses for your portfolio. The choice of learning activities and how many you engage in to meet your goals is up to you! Here are some examples of CPL activities.

If you are starting your CPL Portfolio Cycle for the first time, you will receive the 2019 version of the Handbook by mail. If you have already started your CPL Portfolio Cycle, keep using the CPL Portfolio Handbook 2017 until you complete your two-year cycle. If you are beginning a new CPL Portfolio Cycle, simply download a copy of the CPL Portfolio Handbook​.

The Self-Assessment Tool was revised in 2019 to remove the reference to SMART goals and the Professional Learning Priorities column. Members beginning a new CPL Portfolio should use the revised Self-Assessment Tool. If you have already started your CPL Portfolio Cycle, keep using the Self-Assessment Tool 2017 until you complete your two-year cycle. When it’s time to start your next portfolio cycle, simply download the three required components​.​

No. You do not need to send your portfolio to the College when you renew your membership.

However, you are required to:
1. Fulfill your CPL requirements by the time of your annual renewal
2. Declare compliance with the CPL program when you renew your membership
3. Keep your portfolios and documentation (electronically and/or print) for four years

Members who falsely declare compliance with their CPL program requirements could be found guilty of professional misconduct.

Each year the Registrar will determine the number of members to be selected for an audit of their CPL program records. RECEs who are selected for an audit must submit their documents within 30 days of a request. The College will take an educational approach when auditing records by providing remedial feedback to members, as needed. 

To learn more about the auditing process, read the Notice of CPL Program Requirements​.

Yes. A member’s Certificate of Registration may be suspended by the Registrar if the member does not comply with a requirement of the CPL program. These requirements are set out in regulation under the Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007.

Members who falsely declare compliance with their CPL program requirements could be found guilty of professional misconduct.

To learn more about what happens if you do not complete your CPL requirements, read the Notice of CPL Program Requirements​.​

In extenuating circumstances, you may be granted a deferral of the obligation to comply with the CPL program requirements. A request for deferral​ must be submitted to the College with its supporting documents.

Yes. As regulated professionals, you are required to fulfill the CPL requirements, regardless of employment status, role or setting.

No. You are not required by the College to submit or share your CPL program records with your employer. In some cases, employers may integrate aspects of the CPL program into performance management processes. You are welcome to share and collaborate with your employer in order to complete the requirements of the program.​