CPL FAQs
General information
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.
As regulated professionals, RECEs are required to engage in professional learning. The CPL Program requirements are described in the Notice of Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) Program Requirements.
Here’s a tip sheet to help you understand the CPL Cycle Details table.
As an RECE, am I required to fulfill the requirements of the CPL Program?
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.
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.
Here’s a tip sheet to help you understand the CPL Cycle Details table.
Will there be consequences if I do not complete the CPL 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 the Continuous Professional Learning 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.
I’m in my first year of membership with the College. What are my CPL requirements?
RECEs are required to complete the Expectations for Practice Module and the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program in their first year of membership.
After renewing, RECEs complete a CPL Portfolio Cycle every year while they are College members. 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.
When do I begin the CPL Program 2022?
Current Members: Those registered with the College prior to July 1, 2022, will continue to complete their CPL Program 2019 requirements until their next renewal date. On their first renewal after July 1, 2022, they will begin the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program. Their first one-year CPL Portfolio Cycle will begin in the year following completion of the required Sexual Abuse Prevention Program (on their first renewal after July 1, 2023).
New Members: Those registered with the College on or after July 1, 2022, will complete Expectations for Practice and the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program during their first membership year. They will begin their one-year CPL Portfolio Cycle after their first renewal date (after July 1, 2023).
For more information, please review the timeline chart here.
Do I still have to complete my current CPL Program 2019 requirements before my next renewal?
Yes, you will still need to confirm compliance with your current CPL Program 2019 requirements on your next renewal submission. You will continue to engage in your current learning plan up until your next renewal period. For more information, please review the timeline chart here.
What should I do if I am not able to complete my CPL requirements due to illness or personal circumstances?
If you have extenuating circumstances, you may be granted a deferral of your 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 you submit a request for deferral when an extenuating circumstance arises.
How long do I need to keep my CPL records?
All members must keep their CPL program records for at least two years. At any time, the Registrar may request that members submit their CPL program records to the College to confirm compliance or for an audit of their records.
Do I need to submit or share my CPL Program records with my employer?
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 or professional development plans. You are welcome to share and collaborate with your employer or your colleagues in completing program requirements.
Sexual Abuse Prevention Program
What is the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program educational requirement?
This mandatory CPL requirement is available through My College Account, at any time and at no cost, in English and French and must be completed by all members. 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 I complete the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program before I am required to begin?
Yes, all members will have access to the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program as of July 1, 2022. You can complete it at any time; however, you are still required to complete your current CPL requirements up until your next renewal date. You will declare that you have completed the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program on the schedule outlined in the timeline chart, even if you have completed it early.
Can I complete the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program with another colleague or as a staff team?
You may choose to complete the program alone or with colleagues. Engaging in reflection and dialogue with colleagues may enhance your learning. Each member must complete the knowledge validation test and quiz in their own profile and confirm completion of the program components upon renewal.
I’m registered with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT), and they have also launched a mandatory Sexual Abuse Prevention Program. Will I have to complete both sexual abuse prevention programs?
While there are some similarities with the OCT’s Sexual Abuse Prevention Program (i.e., Commit to Kids), the College of Early Childhood Educators’ program also includes an online module called Teatree Tells, along with resources developed by the College specific to the practice of early childhood education in Ontario.
RECEs who are also OCTs will need to complete the Commit to Kids Knowledge Validation Test and the other elements required by the College of Early Childhood Educators.
CPL Portfolio Cycle
What is the difference between CPL Portfolio Cycle 2019 and 2022?
The CPL Portfolio 2022 is a simplified version of the two-year CPL Portfolio 2019.
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, plan, and engage in and document their professional learning activities.
The CPL Portfolio 2022 includes two required components:
- Reflection and Planning Tool
- Record of Professional Learning
The CPL Portfolio Cycle 2022 components and handbook is available here. Completing the CPL Portfolio Cycle 2022 is optional during the year that a member is completing the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program educational requirement.
Beginning July 2023, all renewing members will start the CPL Portfolio Cycle 2022 upon renewal.
For more information, please review the timeline chart here.
My CPL Portfolio Cycle 2019 ended before I completed Year Two and I’m still working on my professional learning goals. What should I do?
Members have the option to continue to engage in their CPL Portfolios during the year when they are required to complete the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program, but it is not a requirement. Once it is time for you to begin the revised CPL Portfolio, you will complete the Reflection and Planning Tool in the new CPL Portfolio. If one of your previous goals is still a priority, you can use it as your professional learning goal in your new Portfolio Cycle.
Will the College send me the CPL Portfolio Handbook 2022 when I need to start the one-year Portfolio cycle?
When you begin the CPL Portfolio Cycle 2022, you will receive an email from the College with a link to download a copy of the CPL Portfolio Handbook 2022. You will also have the option to request a hardcopy of the Handbook to be mailed to you.
Do I need to send in my CPL Portfolio with my renewal?
No. You do not need to send your portfolio to the College when you renew your membership.
You are required to:
- Fulfill your CPL requirements by the time of your annual renewal
- Confirm compliance with the CPL Program when you renew your membership
- Keep your portfolios and documentation (electronically and/or print) for two years
Members who falsely declare compliance with their CPL Program requirements could be found guilty of professional misconduct.
Can I use a web-based platform or app to maintain my CPL Portfolio?
The College is committed to supporting the learning needs and styles of all RECEs and may accept the use of alternative formats in completing required CPL Program portfolio components.
RECEs may choose to keep their CPL portfolio documentation in any format (e.g., paper, electronic, audio/video/voice recordings, web- or app-based portfolio platform) that reflects the required content of the portfolio components.
RECEs need to be prepared to share or provide access to their documentation if requested by the College. It is each RECE’s responsibility to ensure that records, whether maintained on a web-based platform, app or as a hard copy, are safely stored for future access.
Do I need to complete a specific number of hours or specific learning activities for my CPL Portfolio?
No. You are not required to complete a specific number of hours or take part in specific professional learning activities for your portfolio. The choice of learning activities or experiences and how many you engage in to meet your goal is up to you. Here are some examples.
I already have a professional portfolio; do I have to create a new one for CPL?
Yes. The CPL Portfolio is different than a general professional portfolio.
CPL and My College Account
What CPL information can I access through My College Account?
Log into My College Account, then click on the Continuous Professional Learning tab to see:
- Your current step in the CPL Program
- Your past compliance declarations, and
- Deferrals, if applicable.
If you have been contacted by the College due to potential non-compliance with CPL Program requirements, you can upload your declaration of compliance or CPL records through My College Account.
If there are extenuating circumstances that significantly interfere with your ability to comply with CPL Program requirements during your membership year you can submit a request for deferral through My College Account.
How can I confirm where I should be in the completion of my CPL Program requirements?
To find out when you start the CPL Program 2022, review the Timeline Chart.
Log into My College Account to check your current requirement in the CPL tab.
CPL Audit
What is the auditing process like?
The Registrar determines the number of members to be selected for an audit of their CPL Program records. RECEs who are selected for an audit are requested to submit their documents within 30 days. Members selected for audit who do not submit the requested documentation enter the non-compliance process. The College takes 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.
How are members selected for an audit of CPL Program records?
Generally, eligible members are selected at random for an audit. The Registrar, however, has the authority to request information and documents from a member to demonstrate their compliance at any time. There may be circumstances in which a member may be selected specifically for an audit.
How many members will be selected for an audit?
Each year the Registrar will determine the number of members to be selected for an audit of CPL Program records.
How will I be notified if I am selected for an audit of my CPL records?
You will receive a notice from the College via email and mail, if you are selected for a CPL Program audit.
Which CPL Program records will I be required to submit?
All members must keep CPL records for at least two years and make them available to the College if requested to submit them.
In what formats will the College accept my CPL Program records submission?
The College will accept CPL records electronically or hard copy. Members selected for an audit will be provided instructions for submitting a copy of their documents to the College. Members are advised not to submit original documents because they will not be returned.
The College is committed to supporting the learning needs and styles of all RECEs and may accept the use
of alternative formats in the completion of the portfolio components. Please contact the College for more information.
How long will I have to submit my CPL Program records?
Members who are selected for an audit will have 30 days to submit a copy of their documents to the College. Members are advised not to submit original documents because they will not be returned.
What happens if I am selected for an audit and I do not submit completed CPL Program records to the College?
Members who do not submit their complete CPL program records within 30 days will be deemed to be in non-compliance with CPL program requirements and will be sent a Notice of Intention to Suspend their Certificate of Registration. The suspension will be carried out after 60 days if the member fails to provide the required documents.
Will I receive a grade or evaluation of my CPL Program records?
The College will take an educational approach when auditing member’s CPL records, providing remedial feedback, as needed.