Realize Your
Leadership Aspirations
This program was established to provide financial assistance to Supervisors, front line registered Early Childhood Educators designated to leadership positions and or responsibilities, and to registered Early Childhood Educators aspiring to become Supervisors in the field of Early Childhood Education. The main objective is to fund professional development opportunities in the areas of Pedagogical Leadership in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Education administration, management, facilities management, fiscal responsibility, governance, human resources, employment standards, and labour relations.
Financial support is available to eligible applicants in the form of a Leadership education grant, and Leadership travel grant.
We are currently accepting all applications for the Fall 2023 semester. We will begin accepting applications for the Winter 2024 semester on Monday, November 27, 2023.
Questions &
Answers
Do I have to work for a minimum period of time within an eligible agency before I can apply for financial assistance under the Leadership grant?
Yes. You must be an existing employee of an eligible agency for at least 2 years and currently employed as:
- Supervisor or be in a designated supervisory position with Director/Ministry approval if less than 2 years.
- Front line registered Early Childhood Educator who has been designated to a leadership position and or has leadership/supervisory responsibilities.
- Registered Early Childhood Educator aspiring to become a Supervisor in the field of Early Childhood Educations.
NOTE: Individuals who meet the following criteria are now exempt from the required two years of employment as an RECE and will only be required to be registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE) for one day.
- Individuals whom identify as Francophone
- Individuals whom identify as First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities
- Those whom are working under Director Approval/Letter of Permission
What does it mean to have Director Approval or Letter of Permission?
Director Approval (Otherwise Approved)
Pertains to an individual having permission from the Ministry of Education to work in a licensed Registered ECE position without having their designation.
Letter of Permission
Pertains to an individual having permission from the Ministry of Education to work in a Registered ECE position without designation in a publicly funded school setting.
Will the program consider my total employment period within eligible agencies for the purpose of the 2 year eligibility period?
Yes. The total period of time that you have been employed within eligible agencies in Ontario will be considered toward the 2 year eligibility period.
Is financial assistance available to staff who work part-time?
Yes. Financial assistance is available to full-time and part-time employees working within an eligible agency.
What if I completed eligible courses prior to being hired, can I apply for reimbursement of my tuition through this program?
No. This program is to support individuals presently working in the field who want to upgrade their qualifications.
What type of financial assistance is available through the Leadership Grant?
The following types of financial assistance are available through this program:
- Education Grants are available to cover part-time tuition fees related to courses offered through a recognized Ontario College for Applied Arts and Technology
- Travel Grants are available to assist Leadership Education grant recipients with daily commute expenses incurred to attend classes or to complete the placement component of their program.
Is a Training allowance available through the Leadership grant?
No. The Leadership grant does not offer a training allowance.
How is my education grant calculated?
The education grant is based on your tuition fees minus any other grants or awards; excluding OSAP.
Do I need to claim my grant funding on my income tax?
Yes. Grant recipients will be issued a T4A slip at the end of every calendar year in which they received payment.
What happens if I am approved for financial assistance?
You will be mailed an approval package with payment instructions. Review carefully and return to our office by email, mail (post) or fax.
When can I expect to receive my grant payments?
Payments are only deposited once the program administrator receives your signed Grant Assistance Agreement. The Grant Program issues payments on the last day of every month. Supporting documents must therefore be received by our office no later than the 20th of any given month in order for your grant payment to be issued at the end of that same month.
Can I receive reimbursement for previously completed semesters in the Leadership program?
No. Funding is not available once the semester is completed.
Are Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) fees eligible for reimbursement?
Yes. Funding to cover PLAR fees within a current semester is now eligible for reimbursement under the Leadership program.
Are university programs in the field of ECE Leadership or other related college programs eligible for financial assistance?
The leadership grant currently includes the Honors BA of Early Childhood Leadership program offered at Sheridan College.
Do full-time programs within an eligible field of study qualify for Leadership grant funding?
No. Only part-time programs within an eligible field of study qualify for Leadership grant funding.
Will the program consider courses offered at colleges outside of Ontario?
No. Funding is only offered for programs within Ontario.
What if I am unable to pay my tuition fees?
If you are unable to pay for your tuition to the college you can select the Sponsorship option on the application form and your tuition fees will be paid directly to the college. If you have already paid your tuition or deposit amount to the College you must submit your proof of payment within your application.
What happens if I withdraw, fail or get exempted from any course?
If there are any changes during the semester in which you are receiving funding, you must inform the grant Program Administrator immediately.
How can I submit my application form and supporting documents?
Application forms and all supporting documents are accepted online directly from our website. Note all documents must be submitted as attachments in either PDF or in Jpg. format and must include your first and last name. You cannot manually add your name to a supporting document.
Can I apply for both the ECE Leadership Education grant and Travel grant?
Yes. You can apply for the Leadership Education grant and the Leadership travel grant, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria specified for each grant.
If you require any further information, please contact our office directly by calling our toll free number at 1-866-989-9299 or by email at info@ecegrants.on.ca.
Still have a question?
Simply use the form below and submit your inquiry to our email. We will be happy to get back to you in a timely manner.
