Serving on the College Council offers an opportunity for Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) to have a say in the governance of their profession. Election 2025 is fast approaching. Members in good standing can nominate themselves to run for Council.
Nominations for Districts 5 and 7 (Toronto and Niagara / Hamilton regions) open on December 11.
Here’s what you need to know about the College Council
Members of the Council bring a wealth of knowledge and a diversity of experience that contributes to governing the profession and guiding the College’s work in delivering on its mandate of protecting children and families.
The College is governed by a 24-person Council that includes 14 RECEs elected by members, who serve three-year terms.
The Council is responsible for:
- protecting the public interest by establishing entry to practice requirements, ethical and professional standards, and processes for addressing professional misconduct and incapacity; and
- regulating the profession by overseeing policy development and the administration of College affairs.
Council members are responsible for:
- attending Council meetings – approximately 10 – 15 days per year. Many meetings are held virtually, but some are held in person at the College’s office in Toronto. All meetings are held during business hours;
- serving on committees; and
- setting aside time to read the agenda and meeting materials prior to the meetings.
Importance of diversity and inclusion in governance
Early childhood educators come from diverse backgrounds, cultures and have different perspectives and lived experiences, just like the children and families they serve. To govern the profession and guide the College’s work, a Council that brings together people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives is crucial.
The College’s Commitment to Anti-Racism informs all of our work, and RECEs with related expertise or who identify as members of equity-deserving groups are particularly encouraged to consider running for Council.
Benefits of being on Council
Serving on Council is an exceptional opportunity to build public trust and confidence in the profession and for your own personal and professional growth. If you get elected to serve on Council, you may benefit from:
- Gaining in-depth knowledge and awareness of the profession: As an elected member of Council, you will gain in-depth knowledge and awareness of the role of the College, professional self-regulation, the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, along with changes in legislation or regulation.
- Developing and strengthening leadership skills: You will have the opportunity to connect and collaborate with RECEs across the province. This will enable you to develop and strengthen your leadership skills and gather new perspectives. This experience will also enhance your learning and understanding of the profession and the sector.
- Having a say in the governance of the profession: Through your work on committees, you will oversee policy direction and make decisions related to entry to practise requirements, ethical standards, and professional misconduct. All of these decisions play a big part in shaping what RECEs do, every day, in their professional practice.
Take Action
If you are an RECE in Districts 5 and 7 (Toronto, Niagara / Hamilton regions) and believe you would be a great candidate for Council, nominate yourself for election.
Nominations open on December 11, 2024.
For more information and election updates, visit our website and share it with your RECE colleagues.