Toronto Law Firm Defending Early Childhood Educators

At Unified LLP we specialize in representing Early Childhood Educators in a variety of legal settings. One of the most urgent and important forums is the College of Early Childhood Educators. We specialize in representation at professional colleges having handled over a hundred individual cases. 

We know that Early Childhood Educators are subject to strict regulation, stressful work environments and intense scrutiny from students, parents and administrators. We know how stressful a complaint at the College of Early Childhood Educators can be. We are here to help guide you through the College process, providing fearless and effective advocacy on your behalf. 

On the remainder of this page is more information about the College’s process. However, most issues at the College of Early Childhood Educators are extremely time sensitive. Reach out to us today to set up a consultation about your case. 

COLLEGE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR’S COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATIONS

Early Childhood Educators are a self-regulating profession, that means that their conduct is regulated by the College of Early Childhood Educators.  Members of the public and employers can make complaints to College.  These complaints are then reviewed by the Investigation Committee of the College and can be referred to the Discipline or Fitness to Practise Committee

WHAT DO I DO IF I RECEIVE A COMPLAINT LETTER, NOTICE OF HEARING, OR NOTICE OF INVESTIGATION FROM THE COLLEGE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR’S?

We believe it is essential that Early Childhood Educators are represented at the College.  The College’s process is run by highly experienced investigators and prosecutors.  You are entitled to defense counsel throughout the College’s process who can prioritize obtaining the best outcome in your case.  We provide expert and effective representation at the College of Early Childhood Educators.

WHAT IS A COMPLAINT LETTER?

A complaint letter is the first notification that the subject of a complaint receives.  It is may be prefaced by a phone call from College staff confirming your contact information.  

The complaint letter also sets out the College’s Complaints Committee process and how you can participate in that process.  It might offer you the opportunity to take part in a dispute or complaint resolution program.  It will offer you the opportunity to submit written materials to the College.  

The Complaints Committee is essential for you to present your case.  For many Members it is the only opportunity to have a matter resolved without publication.  If your case concerns medical issues it is also essential those are presented effectively at this stage.  

We have substantial experience with preparing responses to the Complaints Committee.  We regularly have cases dismissed at this stage.  We can ensure that your response is provided in a favourable and effective manner within the deadlines set by the College.  We can also ensure that all relevant material is put before the Complaints Committee including witness statements, medical evidence and raise any relevant legal issues.  

WHAT DOES A NOTICE OF HEARING AT THE DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE MEAN?

A notice of hearing indicates that your matter has been referred to the Discipline Committee.  It means that the College of Early Childhood Educators is going to hold a public trial of the allegations against you.  The Discipline Committee’s outcome is always public and will be published on your College of Early Childhood Educators profile regardless of your status with the College.  The Committee can also order:

  • Public reprimands;
  • Coursework at the Member’s expense;
  • Suspensions of the Member’s license for up to 24 months; 
  • Revoke a Member’s certificate; and
  • The costs of the College’s trial up to $10,000 per day of hearing.

Regardless of the outcome of a hearing a summary is published. If you receive a Notice of Hearing please reach out to us immediately to schedule a consultation.