Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the AECEO and the College of ECE. Scroll down for more resources on the College of ECE and its website.

Q: Are the AECEO and the College of Early Childhood Educators the same organization?
A: No. The AECEO is a professional organization and the College of ECE is a regulatory body. They are two separate organizations.

Q: Now that there is a College of ECE, why should I be a member of the AECEO?
A: The College of ECE is accountable to the public, not you as an ECE. The AECEO is your professional organization – we speak on behalf of the professional. Membership in the AECEO ensures that you will be kept abreast of current issues, gives you professional development and networking opportunities, and information on upcoming PD events, jobs specific to ECE, and assistance from our staff. You also have access to a members-only area of our website with forums and other resources specific to your needs.

Q: Do I have to be a member of the AECEO to maintain my Certification?
A: Yes. Currently only the AECEO can grant this professional designation.

Q: How can I afford to join the AECEO and register with the College of ECE?
A: In recognition of the financial burden ECEs are facing, the AECEO has launched an Electronic Membership Program (EMP) that costs as little as 16 cents a day. For $60-70 a year, depending on your membership type, you get all the benefits of membership with the AECEO for a greatly reduced fee. Payment can also be made in two installments.

Q: What was the significance of the February 14, 2009 date?
A: According to the College of ECE and the Ministry of Children and Youth Services notices, the rest of the ECE Act will be proclaimed by February 14, 2009. Once the rest of the Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007 is proclaimed by legislature, it means that it will become illegal for anyone not registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE) to use the title early childhood educator or registered early childhood educator. According to the CECE website, anyone practicing within the scope of practice (with some exceptions) must also become members of the College.

Q: Who will enforce this legislation and how?
A: After the rest of the act is proclaimed, any person (general public, colleague, student, parent, etc) can make a call to the College of ECE to inquire about the membership status of an individual. If the individual is not a registered member of the College and is using the protected title above or practicing within the scope of practice as defined by the College, the College of ECE may decide to take legal action and fine the individual (up to $5000 fine).

The Ministry of Children and Youth Services has also issued a communique to all licensed child care programs and home child care agencies informing them that within 10 days after February 14, 2009, all early childhood educators employed in licensed programs will be required to show proof of registration with the College of ECE otherwise a “terms and conditions” notation will be placed on the program’s license. All programs were also asked to submit to MCYS, as part of reporting requirements, a form indicating if ECE staff have either submitted their application forms to the College of ECE or are already registered members.

Q: I do not currently have the qualifications to become a member of the College of ECE and have been redirected to AECEO to obtain a “Letter of Equivalency Certificate”. How long does it take for me to obtain a Letter of Equivalency?
A: There is no definite answer to this question. The AECEO Equivalency process is a process whereby an individual’s credentials, work experience and documents are validated and assessed against current program standards and practice. Should the assessment identify gaps in training, an individual may be required to successfully complete Early Childhood Education courses from a recognized training institution to obtain their letters of equivalency. For more information check our website at www.aeceo.ca or contact 416-487-3157 ext. 21 to speak to an intake coordinator.

College of ECE: Resources

Visit the College of ECE website