Employer Newsletter – Fall 2024

The Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) Program was developed to complement and formalize the ongoing professional learning many RECEs do every day.

It also communicates to families, colleagues and the public that RECEs are members of a distinct profession that values ongoing professional learning, and that they are accountable for remaining current in their practice.

Fact 1: Participating in the CPL Program is mandatory

All RECEs, regardless of their role or the setting in which they practise, have a professional responsibility to complete their CPL Program requirements each year. This professional responsibility is a requirement to maintain registration with the College and continue practising as an early childhood educator in Ontario.

All members are accountable to uphold the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice and need to remain current in their field.

Fact 2: The CPL Program contributes to RECEs’ professional growth and benefits the profession overall.

Participation in ongoing learning:

• Demonstrates their professionalism and leadership in early childhood education;
• Supports their ethical and professional responsibility to enhance knowledge about current research and practice, and develop their competencies;
• Builds their confidence, competence and capacity to practise in the best interest of all children and families; and
• Promotes a culture of growth and advancement within the profession.

Fact 3: The CPL Program is self-directed and flexible

RECEs are empowered to decide what their annual CPL Portfolio learning goal related to their ethical and professional responsibilities will be, and they choose the activities or experiences to support their goal.

RECEs are not required to complete a specific number of learning hours or activities. The choice and number of activities is up to them.

If an employer offers professional development activities and experiences, this could be considered for an RECE’s CPL Portfolio goal and plan if it’s related to their practice.

Fact 4: Participation in the CPL Program can be completed at no cost to the RECE

Both educational requirements – the Expectations for Practice Module and the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program – are available via My College Account at no cost.

For the annual CPL Portfolio Cycle, there is an abundance of learning activities/experiences RECEs may wish to consider that have no cost.

Here are a few examples:

• Engaging (independently or with colleagues) with any of the College’s resources for members (i.e., Practice Guidelines, Practice Notes, case studies, webinars, YouTube channel, etc.)
• Communities of practice
• Webinars, podcasts, documentaries
• Reading and reflecting on sector-related books, blogs or articles
• Mentorship

For more examples of CPL Portfolio activities, click here.

While there are costs associated with some learning opportunities, such as conferences, courses and workshops, RECEs get to decide the types of learning activities to engage in. RECEs are not required to choose options with a cost.

Fact 5: RECEs are required to keep copies of CPL documents for two membership years

When renewing their annual membership, RECEs must confirm whether they have completed the CPL Program requirements for the past membership year. They must keep their completed CPL Portfolio(s) and documentation for at least two membership years.

The College conducts regular reviews of members’ CPL progress and completion through the audit process. The audit process also helps the College understand where or how the College can better support members in their CPL journey. If an RECE is selected for an audit, the College will ask them to send in their CPL documents for review.

Fact 6: Establishing and implementing the CPL Program for the ongoing education of members is one of the roles of the College

The College’s role and responsibilities are set out in the Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007. This includes providing for the ongoing learning of members through the Continuous Professional Learning Program.

*These facts can be downloaded and shared with RECE staff. 

Important Update:

The Expectations for Practice Module (see Fact 4 above) is one of the CPL Program educational requirements members must complete in their first year of membership with the College. This module has been revised to incorporate information relevant to new members, such as reflecting on beliefs and biases, supporting positive interactions with children and building and maintaining professional relationships and boundaries.

This revision was informed by feedback from members and employers, and data related to practice trends.

If you have new members in your organization and they need help in accessing the revised Expectations for Practice Module, please share the How to Access the Expectations for Practice Module video.

Other Useful Links:

What employers need to know about the Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) Program