Letter of Equivalency for Canadian Trained Early Childhood Professionals

IS AN AECEO LETTER OF EQUIVALENCY THE SAME AS AN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION DIPLOMA FROM AN ONTARIO COMMUNITYCOLLEGE?

No. An AECEO Letter of Equivalency is recognized by the College of Early Childhood Educators as meeting the educational qualification component of the application process for membership in the College, and thus qualifies the individual for employment purposes as an early childhood educator in the province of Ontario. It is not an educational credential and may not necessarily qualify for advanced standing in post-diploma studies.

However, many Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology (OCAAT) colleges accept the AECEO Letter of Equivalency as a valid credential for those wishing to enter their post-diploma certificate courses such as the Child care Administration and Management certificate course and Resource Teacher certificate course. AECEO recommends that applicants wishing to continue on to post-diploma courses should verify their eligibility with the training institution prior to entering the Equivalency process.

WHAT ARE THE BENCHMARKS FOR EQUIVALENCY?

Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology ECE diploma programs meet Program Standards set by the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities. The AECEO uses these standards and vocational benchmarks to identify the gaps in an applicant’s learning.

Additionally individuals must demonstrate an accepted level of English language fluency. Assessments are based on all submitted documents and results from knowledge and language assessment testing as required by the AECEO. As each applicant’s demonstration of her/his learning is unique to the individual, each case is evaluated on a case by case basis.

WILL I BE REQUIRED TO TAKE ADDITIONAL COURSES?
Any gaps identified in an applicant’s learning will result in course upgrading recommendations. Depending upon the gaps identified, majority of applicants will be required to take at least a number of Ontario specific content courses dealing with legislation, health and safety, and supervised placement in a licensed early childhood setting.

Applicants whose gaps in training may be too wide to bridge within the equivalency process will be directed to other programs by which they can enter the field of early childhood education and obtain a valid credential.

Applicants must successfully complete courses within a specified time frame to achieve their Letter of Equivalency Certificate. Course delivery method, availability, pre-requisites, course content and course titles may differ between OCAAT College ECE programs. It is the applicant’s responsibility to review the different ECE diploma programs offered by the recognized training institutions.

A list of recognized training institutions can be found in the Equivalency Handbook. In order for AECEO to prescribe specific courses, the applicant must indicate which training institution she/he will be attending to complete the requirements. The number of courses and course codes prescribed by the AECEO may differ according to the training institution.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

Time to complete the process varies upon the required number of courses. The AECEO acknowledges the barriers and life changes that often face equivalency applicants and as a result give applicants up to 2 years to complete the requirements.

HOW ARE THE COURSES DELIVERED?

All recommended courses must be taken in an AECEO recognized training institution. Many of the institutions deliver the programs in a variety of formats to best suit the needs of their students. i.e. daytime classes (full time), evening (continuing education), on-line or distance education. It is the applicant’s responsibility to review the different ECE diploma programs offered by the recognized training institutions.

It is highly recommended that applicants contact the Early Childhood Coordinator at the training institution they are considering and seek academic counseling. A list of recognized training institutions and their contact information can be found in the Equivalency Handbook.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREPARE FOR MY SUBMISSION?

Begin gathering documentation:
1. Copies Official Diploma or Degree Certificate
2. Copies of Official Transcripts (sent directly from institution or submitted in an institution sealed envelope)
3. Documentation of Teaching Hours/Work Experience (updated resume, job descriptions and reference letters)
4. Additional documentation - Official Course Outlines/Syllabus (detailed description of course content from educational institution), relevant training certificates

(All relevant documents must be in English or translated into English using the guidelines outlined in the Equivalency Handbook. French equivalency services are available through L'Association francophone à l'éducation des services à l'enfance de l'Ontario (AFESEO))

WHAT IS THE EQUIVALENCY KNOWLEDGE OF ECE FIELD ASSESSMENT EXAM?

This assessment is used to determine the applicant’s current knowledge in early learning and child care. The examination is mandatory for all applicants. Exemptions may be made on a case by case basis. Contact the AECEO Intake Coordinator for details.

HOW MUCH IS THE PROCESS?

Fees are based on a cost recovery basis and subject to change. Equivalency fees do not include charges levied by training institutions or other services such as language assessment, tuition, course materials, transcript requests and translation costs. As of April 1, 2009, cost of Equivalency Application is $150 (Application fee $100, Exam $50). Application fees are non-refundable. Additional equivalency fees are listed in the Equivalency Handbook.