Employer Newsletter: Schools – Winter 2019
Professional Partnerships: 10 Years of Teaming Up
Almost a decade ago in 2010, the first full-day Kindergarten (FDK) and extended day programs rolled out across the province and, along with them, the integration of registered early childhood educators (RECEs) in the classroom. As of 2018, more than 9,000 RECEs were employed in Ontario schools bringing with them their specialized education, skills and knowledge of early childhood development and play-based learning.
Ontario’s approach to early childhood education is unique in Canada. In many Kindergarten classes, a registered early childhood educator (RECE) and a teacher (OCT) form educator teams under a legislated duty to co-operate. Some RECEs lead extended day programs, which complement the curriculum to provide a seamless educational experience. Many RECEs also lead before-and after-school programs operated by licensed child care or recreation programs.
This February also marks 10 years since the College of Early Childhood Educators (the College) was established with its mandate to regulate the profession in the public interest. Ontario remains the only province where both early childhood educators and teachers are regulated by their respective Colleges and can proudly use professional designations – another first in Canada.
Together, RECEs and OCTs work collaboratively to give the youngest students the guidance and assurances they need to explore, grow and learn in safe and caring environments.
The advantages of professionally-led, play-based early childhood education programs are well-documented. Research – both at home in Ontario and abroad – shows that children who attend high-quality early childhood programs are happier, healthier and more motivated to learn. Often, these benefits last well into adulthood.
Raising and educating Ontario’s youngest learners takes a village. Early childhood educators and teachers – not to mention families – play an important part, but so too do principals, superintendents, directors, and support staff.
Here are just a few ways school leaders can support RECEs and champion productive, professional partnerships:
Understand the different roles RECEs and OCTs play in creating successful early learning programs
Build relationships of trust and respect between families, RECEs and teachers
Foster a culture of collaboration between members of educator teams
Model effective and open communication
Using the Public Register
The College’s online public register is the only accurate source of information about an individual’s registration status.
The public register is updated in real time, and is the only way for members, their employers and the public to verify the most current membership information.
How can I check a member’s registration status with the College?
Employers can check the public register at any time to confirm the registration status of an employee. If a member has sent in a completed form and payment by their renewal date, their membership status remains in good standing on the public register while the renewal is being processed.
How do I know when a member’s Certificate of Registration is due for renewal or has expired?
The best way to know if someone’s Certificate of Registration is current (e.g. has not expired or been suspended or revoked) is to check the public register regularly. Simply enter a member’s name or registration number to view their profile and the following information:
- Member Name
- Registration number
- Registration status
- Certificate Issued Date (date their certificate was issued)
- Effective Date (date their current status came into effect)
By the Numbers: Annual Report 2017-2018
The College recently released its 2017-2018 Annual Report. Darlene Edgar, RECE and Council President, presents last year’s top milestones in this short video.
Did you know? There are more than 53,000 members in good standing and 92 per cent of those members are employed in full or part time positions.
Mandatory Employer Reports
Under the Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007, employers are legally obligated to report to the College when a registered early childhood educator is terminated, suspended or restrictions have been placed on their duties for reasons of professional misconduct or if the RECE resigns under these circumstances.
In turn, the College must notify employers about any actions taken in response to their report and any decisions of the Complaints, Discipline or Fitness to Practise Committees. Should the member change jobs while an investigation or disciplinary process is underway, the College is required to report its findings to both former and current employers.
Learn more about when and how to submit a mandatory employer report.
New Resource: Practice Guideline on Professionalism
One of the hallmarks of being a professional is the ability to navigate everyday, unpredictable situations in a range of working environments and in a variety of relationships. At times, RECEs must use their professional judgement to make difficult decisions and provide ethical and appropriate advice to colleagues, supervisors and families.
The College’s newest Practice Guideline on Professionalism explores what it means to be a professional through the lens of a care and relationship-based profession and provides examples of realistic scenarios to support reflective practice and discussion.