Competency Based Assessment / Prior Learning Assessment (CBA/PLA) Program
What it is
The CBA/PLA Program involves a self-directed assessment process. It provides an opportunity to eligible child care employees working in licensed centres to demonstrate their skills, knowledge and judgment according to required standards. Successful completion results in an Early Childhood Educator II (ECE II) classification level as determined by The Community Child Care Standards Act and Manitoba Regulation 62/86.
Who is eligible
Child care employees who:
- have a post-secondary two-year diploma or degree related to early learning and child care from within or outside Canada that is not recognized as an approved program for classification at the trained ECE II level
- are classified as a Child Care Assistant (CCA)
- are currently employed in a licensed child care centre
- are working 20 hours per week or more directly with the children
- have a minimum of two years of full-time experience in a licensed child care facility
- have completed a minimum of 60 hours of professional development experiences related to six child care competency areas within the previous two years
Important admission criteria
Applicants must have:
- a commitment to the profession of early childhood education
- a willingness to invest time and energy to the CBA/PLA process of approximately six to eight months (if no learning gaps are identified)
- a willingness to cover minimal costs related to purchasing learning aids, child development texts and portfolio-related materials
- support from your centre director and board of directors or parent advisory committee
- a willingness to participate in continuous professional development in the field of early learning and child care
What is involved
Participation in the CBA/PLA Program includes:
- attending an information meeting
- completing the CBA/PLA Application and Self-Assessment/Reflective Practice Booklet
- attending three portfolio development workshops
- completing a portfolio to demonstrate skills, knowledge and judgment according to standards of performance
- being observed and interviewed
- meeting all target dates
- addressing learning gaps if identified
- attending a final assessment meeting
Who to contact
For more information, contact Early Learning and Child Care Program’s Information Services at 204-945-0776 or 1-888-213-4754 (toll free), or your Child Care Co-ordinator.
