Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Program
What is it?
The PLA Program involves a self-directed assessment process. It provides an opportunity for eligible early learning and child care (ELCC) employees working in licensed ELCC centres to demonstrate their skills, knowledge and judgement according to required standards. Successful completion results in an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) II classification level as determined by The Community Child Care Standards Act and Manitoba Regulation 62/86.
Who is eligible?
To be an eligible PLA applicant, you must have one of the following:
- Post-Secondary two-year diploma or degree related to ELCC from within or outside of Canada that is not recognized as an approved program for classification at the ECE II level and up to one year of experience working as a Child Care Assistant (CCA) in Manitoba
- Post-Secondary two year international degree or diploma specific to Early Childhood Education that was not recognized at the ECE II classification level
- Pre-1991 ECE II classification obtained with the Child Care Services Certificate
You must also have all of the following:
- A current active classification certificate through the ELCC Program
- Current employment in a licensed ELCC centre, working directly with children for a minimum of 20 hours per week
- A minimum of 60 hours of professional development experiences related to ELCC competencies within the previous two years
What is required?
Applicants must have:
- A commitment to the ELCC profession
- A willingness and ability to invest time and energy to the PLA program process, which could be from 4 months to 18 months
- A willingness and ability to pay minimal costs related to learning aids, child development textbooks and materials for a portfolio
- Support from the centre director, board of directors and/or parent advisory committee in terms of on-site mentorship and assessment
- A willingness and ability to participate in continuous professional development in the ELCC field
What is involved?
Accepted participants:
- Complete the PLA application
- Attend an orientation session, portfolio development workshops and networking meetings
- Compile a portfolio according to the PLA guidelines and competency standards outlining their skills and knowledge, with the guidance of an Advisor Assessor
- Are observed working with children, documented by a Peer Assessor and/or Advisor Assessor at the centre
- Complete assignments related to Child Development and current best practices
- Meet target dates
- Address learning gaps (if identified)
- Attend a final assessment meeting
For more information
- Call Child Care Information Services at 204-945-0776 or toll free at 1-888-213-4754
- Visit manitoba.ca/childcare
- Contact your Child Care Co-ordinator
