Early Childhood Education Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Program

Recognizing Prior Learning can be applied to:

Hiring and Recruitment
By providing a measurable standard of competency for an ECE Level 2 Classification in Nova Scotia.

Training
By providing an opportunity for candidates to engage in self- directed learning to demonstrate their competencies in ECE through non-traditional methods of learning.

Competency Development
By requiring skills and standards of performance and transparent, reliable assessment processes

Performance evaluation
By assessing a candidate’s competency using standardized and validated assessment tools

Succession and Career Planning
By successfully completing the RPL Program candidates can upgrade their classification level which can lead to opening up career opportunities.

Employee/Labour Relations
By supporting and recognizing the professional development of employees against a standard of competency.

Recognition of Competency
By successfully completing the RPL Program enables the candidate to apply for a classification upgrade.

Photo Courtesy of Through the Years Child Care & Community Centre

APPLY ONLINE

Overview of the ECE RPL Program Process…

Review the Program Guide
Submit RPL Application/Eligilbity Assessment Documents using the online form & pay application /eligiblity fee
Receive & Review Candidate Examination Package
Prepare for the examination
Register for the examination & pay examination fee
Pass the written examination results feedback
Receive & Review the Candidate Situational Interview Package
Prepare for the situational interview
Register for the situational interview & pay registration fee
Pass the situational interview results with RPL Program Successful Completion Certificate and Letter
Apply for Classification Upgrade with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development

RPL Fees Effective January 2021

To help reduce the cost to participate, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is pleased to provide funds to cover part of the application/eligibility assessment and exam fees to reduce the overall costs for the first 60 applicants, who are currently working in regulated childcare or Family Home Day Care, licenced by the Province of Nova Scotia or a Pre-primary Program $744 for the fiscal years of 2020-21 and 2021-22.

Application

$642.85

Approved Fee Structure (plus HST) = $559
HST = $83.85
Approved Fee structure (HST applied) = $642.85
Cost to Applicant (plus HST) = $100
Cost to Applicant (HST applied) = $183.85
Paid by EECD for the first 60 applicants annually for 2020-21 &2021-22 = $459

Exam

$902.75

Approved Fee Structure (plus HST) = $785
HST = $117.75
Approved Fee structure (HST applied) = $902.75
Cost to Applicant (plus HST) = $500
Cost to Applicant (HST applied) = $617.75
Paid by EECD for the first 60 applicants annually for 2020-21 &2021-22 = $285

Interview

$1,505.35

Approved Fee Structure (plus HST) = $1,309
HST = $196.35
Approved Fee structure (HST applied) = $1,505.35
Cost to Applicant (plus HST) = $1,309
Cost to Applicant (HST applied) = $1,505.35
Paid by EECD for the first 60 applicants annually for 2020-21 &2021-22 = $0

TOTAL COST

$3,050.95

Approved Fee Structure (plus HST) = $2,653
HST = $397.95
Approved Fee structure (HST applied) = $3,050.95
Cost to Applicant (plus HST) = $1,909
Cost to Applicant (HST applied) = $2,306.95
Paid by EECD for the first 60 applicants annually for 2020-21 &2021-22 = $744

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“I am beyond thrilled to learn that I have successfully completed the RPL program. This was an exciting learning opportunity and I truly enjoyed the whole experience. I particularly appreciated the feedback and lists of resources for me to explore. I will continue to learn and grow throughout my journey in the ECE field.”

– Successful RPL Candidate

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“Thank you so much for the opportunity to have my previous experience recognized!”

– Successful RPL Candidate

Download Documents

Level 2 Early Childhood Educator Competency Profile for Nova Scotia

March 2021

RPL Program Accommodations

The following outlines the principles and responsibilities for the provision of accommodations within the assessment process for Candidates in the RPL Program.

RPL Program Information for Employers

RPL is the process used to identify, document, assess and recognize existing skills and knowledge.

RPL Program Complaints & Appeals Process

The following outline the principles and administrative process(es) by which a RPL Program Candidate may register a complaint with respect to the conduct of any individual or the management and administration of the RPL Program