The College of Early Childhood Educators welcomes proposed amendments to the Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007 that will strengthen its ability to protect children in Ontario from sexual abuse. The proposed amendments, introduced today as Bill 48, Safe and Supportive Classrooms Act, 2018, would mean that all acts of sexual abuse, not just a specific list of acts currently identified in the legislation, would lead to mandatory revocation of a member’s certificate of registration.
The vast majority of Ontario’s 53,000 Registered Early Childhood Educators are caring professionals who uphold the ethical standards of the profession and devote themselves to the well-being and holistic development of children. There is no place in this profession for individuals who abuse their position of trust. In those very rare cases, the College has always taken the position that mandatory revocation is the only appropriate response. There is no situation in which a professional should retain their membership and their professional designation after having been found guilty of sexual abuse of a child. The College recognizes and supports the need for funding to facilitate access to therapy and counselling for children who have been sexually abused.
The College is pleased that the government shares our commitment to the safety and well-being of children and has taken action. We look forward to continuing to work together in this area of shared responsibility.
For more information contact:
Julia Lipman Baker
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Relations
1 888 961-8558 x251
julial@college-ece.ca