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
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
“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
“Thank you so much for the opportunity to have my previous experience recognized!”
– Successful RPL Candidate
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
RPL Program FAQ
Recognized Prior Learning (RPL) Program Questions and Answers
RPL Program Now Accepting Applications
We are pleased to announce that the RPL Program Application Process is now open!
RPL Program Resource List
Books and other resources
RPL Program Guide
This is an information package for Candidates enrolled in the Level 2 ECE Assessment for the Recognition of Prior Learning
RPL Policies and Procedures
Policies and Procedures
Pathways to Prosperity
Pathways to Prosperity
Application Form
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