Employer Newsletter – Summer 2024
What employers need to know about the Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) Program
The College’s Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) Program 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 in:
- enhancing their knowledge and skills;
- strengthening their professional judgment; and
- improving their practice throughout their career.
As members of a regulated profession, all RECEs, regardless of employment status, role, or setting, are responsible for completing their CPL Program requirements, which include Educational Requirements and the CPL Portfolio Cycle.
From program requirements and compliance to ways you can help RECEs on your team in their CPL journey, read on to learn more.
Educational Requirements
- Expectations for Practice Module: This module explains an RECE’s professional and ethical responsibilities and must be completed in their first year of membership.
- Sexual Abuse Prevention Program: This prevention program empowers RECEs with proactive approaches to help prevent child sexual abuse and must be completed in their first year of membership.
CPL Portfolio Cycle
- The CPL Portfolio Cycle is an annual portfolio process where RECEs reflect on their practice, develop one professional learning goal, and plan, engage in and document their professional learning activities.
What are the consequences if an RECE does not complete their CPL Program requirements?
An RECE’s Certificate of Registration may be suspended if they do not comply with a requirement of the CPL Program. These requirements are set out in regulation under the Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007 and described in more detail in the Notice of Continuous Professional Learning Requirements .
When an RECE’s membership is suspended, the individual cannot practise the profession in any setting, nor can they use the titles and designations registered early childhood educator (RECE), early childhood educator (ECE) or their French equivalents.
If an RECE falsely declares compliance with their CPL Program requirements, (responds ‘yes’ to the CPL Program confirmation question at renewal, when they haven’t completed their CPL requirement(s) for that membership year) they could be found guilty of professional misconduct.
How does the College know whether an RECE is in compliance?
At the time of the annual membership renewal with the College, all members are required to declare their compliance with the CPL Program requirements. However, members do not need to submit their CPL Program records to the College when declaring their compliance at the time of renewal.
If any RECEs are looking for information on how the College checks for compliance, share answers from the FAQs.
What should an RECE do if they’re not able to complete their CPL requirements due to parental leave, illness or personal circumstances?
If an RECE has extenuating circumstances that interfere with completing their CPL Program requirements during a membership year, they can submit a request for deferral. RECEs may be granted a deferral of their 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 RECEs submit a request for deferral as soon as possible once the extenuating circumstance arises.
Are employers responsible for ensuring staff comply with the CPL Program requirements?
RECEs have an individual professional responsibility to participate in the CPL Program. Employers are not responsible for ensuring that their employees are compliant with the CPL Program requirements.
Employers, however, can support RECEs by understanding the CPL Program educational requirements and the CPL Portfolio Cycle. Other ways to offer support include:
- providing discussion opportunities;
- sharing of ideas and resources; and
- offering time for RECEs to complete the requirements of the program.
Through employee performance and development processes, employers may also collaborate with an RECE to develop a CPL Portfolio Cycle goal that is mutually beneficial, both to the RECE as a professional and to the employer.
We want to hear from you: Feedback survey on the Practice Guideline: Supporting Positive Interactions with Children
Practice guidelines communicate the expectations of RECEs as outlined in the Code and Standards about certain areas of practice that are more complex and where challenges may arise. Practice guidelines also highlight how those expectations may be applied in practice. They include recommended practices and provide opportunities for self-reflection and professional learning.
Overview of the Practice Guideline: Supporting Positive Interactions with Children
This practice guideline was first published in March 2016 and has been revised slightly twice to reflect updates to the Child Care and Early Years Act and the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, respectively.
It discusses behaviour guidance with a view to how responsive relationships can strengthen positive interactions with children, rather than managing or directing their behaviour. This guideline highlights how RECEs can better support positive interactions with children through:
- nurturing responsive relationships;
- promoting the development of self-regulation;
- developing positive perspectives and strategies; and
- reflecting on their professional practice.
What are we doing?
The College is looking to revise and update the Practice Guideline: Supporting Positive Interactions with Children. As part of the revision process, we’re seeking feedback from members and sector partners to:
- understand how this resource is being used by RECEs and organizations;
- gather feedback on the resource content; and
- explore additional ways the College can support RECEs with this fundamental area of practice.
How can you help?
We are collecting feedback through a short, voluntary survey.
If you aren’t familiar with the resource, consider reviewing the Practice Guideline: Supporting Positive Interactions with Children either on your own or with your team before completing the survey.
The survey is anonymous and will take about 10 minutes to complete.
We look forward to your responses.
*The survey will remain open until September 20, 2024.
Interested in our other practice guidelines?
You can find these helpful practice resources on our website.
Questions?
Please contact the Professional Practice department at practice@college-ece.ca