Specialized Educator Certificate in LTC
Publish Date:
Applications for all levels of the Specialized Educator Certificate in LTC (SECL) are currently closed. Stay up-to-date by signing up for the Ontario CLRI newsletter to find out when registration for the cohort opens.
Introducing a sector-leading, virtual offering from the Ontario CLRI at Baycrest: a free, evidence-based certificate for all LTC team members in Ontario who plan, coordinate, and/or deliver education in long-term care, and created in consultation with educators in long-term care!
The Specialized Educator Certificate in LTC (SECL) supports team members who plan, coordinate, and/or deliver education in upgrading their knowledge and skills through experiential learning, peer collaboration, and relational education approaches that strengthen connections with team members. It is the only specialized educator program specific to LTC.
The SECL program is divided into three levels that build upon one another:
Level One – Foundational
Level One focuses on core skills and competencies, foundational education and relational practices for LTC team members who plan, coordinate, and/or deliver education in long-term care in Ontario, and Ontario CLRI resources.
Level Two – Application of Relational Approaches
Level Two builds on Level One with a four-part workshop series that provides SECL Level One graduates the opportunity to practice appreciative, experiential, and collaborative relational educator approaches using Ontario CLRI education practice tools.
Level Three – Integration
Level Three is currently under review. Stay tuned for more details!
Why apply?
Build on your strengths and grow in your role
- Recognize foundational education and relational practices that support LTC educators
- Apply a strengths-based and reflective approach to supporting learners
- Develop interpersonal skills, such as communication, empathy, and collaboration
- Discover creative ways of teaching and learning
- Get immersed in the latest educational technology
- Get connected with a community of learners across the province
Leaders: Why invest in your team?
Team members who plan, coordinate, and/or deliver education in Ontario’s 600+ long-term care homes bring a rich mix of knowledge, experience, and professional backgrounds. They play a vital role in shaping team learning, fostering a positive culture, and supporting high-quality care. Yet, opportunities for their own growth can be limited by time, resources, and the everyday demands of their work. The Educator Certificate Program is a meaningful, no-cost opportunity to support your educators with practical, evidence-informed strategies grounded in relational and educational best practices tailored to the LTC sector.
The Educator Certificate program will:
- Apply a strengths-based and reflective approach to supporting learners
- Highlight creative ways of teaching and learning
- Help develop interpersonal skills such as communication, empathy, and collaboration
- Relate leading education and relational practices to their LTC educator practice
- Introduce Ontario CLRI resources (offered in SECL) that can complement your approach to education
- Contribute to quality improvement and advancing organizational goals
Frequently asked questions
Here you can find answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the Specialized Educator Certificate in LTC (SECL) and the application process.
All participants begin with Level One, regardless of prior education or experience. This approach helps create a shared foundation of knowledge among long-term care (LTC) educators, recognizing that the role of “educator” in LTC can vary widely.
To apply, participants must:
- Be employed in a long-term care home in Ontario
- Plan, coordinate, and/or deliver education for LTC team members
All SECL levels are offered free of charge to help build education capacity at both the individual and organizational level.
Stay up-to-date by signing up for the Ontario CLRI newsletter to be notified when applications for the next SECL level open.
Relational education emphasizes that meaningful learning arises from connection, reflection, and shared experiences. Through experiential, appreciative, and collaborative approaches, educators strengthen a relational practice that centres relationships, strengths, and growth.
All SECL levels are delivered virtually with an Ontario CLRI facilitator.
- Level One: Combines asynchronous game play and synchronous training sessions.
- Level Two: Consists of four synchronous workshops
- Level Three: Currently under development.
We use Microsoft Teams for live sessions and Brightspace LMS as the program hub for communication and resources.
Each level varies in time commitment:
- Level One: Runs for 8 weeks (approx. 18 hrs.)
- Level Two: Four workshops over four weeks (approx. 5 hrs.)
- Level Three: Currently under development.
Further details about the schedule for each level are included in the application form when registration opens.
This program was developed by experts from the following organizations:
- University Health Network, Toronto Rehab
- Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO)
- Family Councils Ontario (FCO)
- Long Term Care and Adult Day Services, Region of Peel
- Ontario Association of Residents’ Council (OARC)
- Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long Term Care (Ontario CLRI)
- Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO)
- Senior’s Services and Long-Term Care, City of Toronto
Interprofessional Educators from the Ontario CLRI at Baycrest will be facilitating the program.
We will ensure equitable access to team members and homes. Applications will be reviewed by a panel of Ontario CLRI team members. We encourage you to apply no matter what stage in your career you are at.
The SECL program is only open to team members at Ontario long-term Care homes.
- Personal Computer, laptop or tablet with internet access
- Brightspace Learning Management System (LMS)
Each SECL level has its own completion requirements:
- Level One: Attend synchronous training sessions, complete the serious educational game, complete the program reflection(s), and final program survey.
- Level Two: Attend all synchronous session workshops, complete the program reflection, and final program survey.
- Level Three: In progress — stay tuned for updates!
Additional details, including session dates and times, are provided on the application form when registration opens.
If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us: ontarioclri@baycrest.org
The Specialized Educator Certificate in Long-Term Care is offered by the Ontario CLRI at Baycrest.
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