Important update for Ontario Certified Teachers who have not completed the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program
November 08 2024
On October 1, 2024, College Council approved a request to the Minister of Education that regulations be amended to establish a process to administratively suspend Ontario Certified Teachers (OCT) who do not meet the professional requirement to successfully complete the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program (the Program). Those regulatory amendments came into effect on October 30, 2024.
As a result, OCTs whose Sexual Abuse Prevention Program status is “Incomplete” at 12:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, will have their licence administratively suspended and they will no longer be eligible to teach in Ontario’s publicly funded education system.
Individuals who are administratively suspended will be able to restore their licence to good standing by successfully completing the Program and paying a reinstatement fee.
Please note that provincial legislation does not provide the College with authority to grant exemptions or extensions.
OCTs who have not completed the Program are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. They can access the Program, free of charge, by signing into their member account.
For more information about the Program, please visit our Sexual Abuse Prevention Program webpage or refer to our FAQs.
Support and accommodations for OCTs who may need them
The College’s goal is to encourage compliance with professional obligations, not to suspend licences.
We understand that this is a sensitive topic for many people, which is why we partnered with subject matter experts at the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) to develop and administer the Program.
C3P offers a variety of accommodations for individuals who may have difficulties completing the Program. These accommodations include options for survivors of sexual abuse or individuals who are unable to use a computer or another internet-connected device.
Individuals who want to learn more about accommodation options are encouraged to contact C3P via their website.
