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Sexual Abuse Prevention Program FAQs

Why is the College introducing a sexual abuse prevention program now?

The new Sexual Abuse Prevention Program for College members launched in July 2022, as mandated by the provincial government. The new program 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.

How will RECEs receive sexual abuse prevention education?

The College has established a thorough and engaging sexual abuse prevention program for RECEs. Below highlights key elements of the education program.

  • Online, Interactive Education: The College now offers online member education in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P), a national charity dedicated to the safety of children. The goal of the educational program is to expand RECE knowledge with practical information to help enhance child safety.
  • Continuous Professional Learning (CPL): Effective July 1, 2022, changes were made to the Notice of CPL Program Requirements. The Sexual Abuse Prevention Program is now an Educational Requirement of the Continuous Professional Learning Program. For more information, please review the timeline chart here.
  • Ongoing Communications: Throughout 2022, the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program will be featured in the Connexions and Employer newsletters and on the College’s website.

Describe the online member education program.

The Sexual Abuse Prevention Program consists of three required elements: 

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

The educational program builds on the skills and knowledge RECEs already have in sexual abuse prevention and equips them to apply it in their work. The program is available through My College Account, at any time and at no cost, in English and French and must be completed by all members.

Will the College’s Sexual Abuse Prevention Program cost money?

There is no fee associated with the College’s Sexual Abuse Prevention Program. The Sexual Abuse Prevention Program member education is available to members any time, at no cost, in English and French, via My College Account.

How does the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program fit into CPL?

The Sexual Abuse Prevention Program is part of the College’s Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) Program.

Existing members prior to July 1, 2022
Continue to complete your CPL Program 2019 requirements until your next renewal date. Click here for details.

All new or reinstating members on or after July 1, 2022
You can begin the CPL Program 2022 now. Complete the Expectations for Practice Module and the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program before your first renewal. Click here for program details.

Where can I access the College’s Sexual Abuse Prevention Program and when is the deadline to complete it?

The Sexual Abuse Prevention Program member education is available to members any time, at no cost, in English and French, via My College Account.

There are two ways to confirm your deadline for completing the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program:

If you have questions, please contact cpl@college-ece.ca

I’m registered with the Ontario College of Teachers 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 between the Ontario College of Teachers’ Sexual Abuse Prevention Program (i.e., Commit to Kids), the College’s 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.

Will the College’s Sexual Abuse Prevention Program require me to talk to children about sexual abuse prevention?

One component of the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program includes a module called Teatree Tells which provides activities, lessons and resources to engage with children. The College is providing access to Teatree Tells so that RECEs are equipped to have these types of conversations when necessary. The decision to implement any of the activities or lessons into programming will be determined by child care and early years organizations, guided by How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years

I don’t currently work with children in my role, how will I be able to complete the Teatree Tells module?

Teatree Tells is on online module that takes around 20 minutes to complete. Although the series comes with resources and lessons to engage with children, the requirement will be to complete the online module. The information shared in the module will be applicable to all RECEs, regardless of role or employment status, as it emphasizes the importance of personal safety education for children.

Will refresher courses be mandated over the years?

The College does not view the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program as a single learning experience for RECEs. Once this initial program rolls out, the College will be able to determine the needs of the membership and there may be additional resources developed to support the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program.

Will the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program online learning be made available to other child care staff working with RECEs?

Only RECEs will have access to the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program designed by the College of Early Childhood Educators for member education. Employers, municipalities and other organizations can reach out to the Canadian Centre for Child Protection for information on accessing their sexual abuse prevention resources.  

A recorded introductory webinar and other information is available to the public on the College’s Sexual Abuse Prevention Program webpage here 

Will parents and families be made aware of the College’s Sexual Abuse Prevention Program that is mandatory for RECEs?

The College’s Sexual Abuse Prevention Program is public knowledge. While the online member education will only be accessible by RECEs via My College Account on our website, information about the program will be available publicly. The decision to share information with parents and families will be determined by child care and early years organizations and will not be moderated by the College.

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.