Specialized Educator Certificate in LTC
Publish Date:
Registration for Level One of the Specialized Educator Certificate is now open! Apply by April 24, 2026. Spots are limited! Apply while spots are available.
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 One is a seven-week program, and happens weekly on Tuesday from 1:00 – 2:15 p.m., from May 19 – June 30, 2026
Level Two – Application of Relational Approaches
Level Two builds on Level One with a four-part workshop series that provides Level One graduates the opportunity to practice appreciative, experiential, and collaborative relational educator approaches using Ontario CLRI education practice tools.
NOTE: Applicants must complete SECL Level One before registering for Level Two. Registration coming soon. Stay tuned for more details!
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
- Learn about, practice, and apply foundational education and relational approaches 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 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 supports educators and team members to:
- Connect and learn with a diverse group of LTC educators throughout the province
- Apply a strategic and relational approach to delivering education in LTC
- Apply a strengths-based and reflective approach to supporting learners
- Support the development of relational educator approaches by incorporating the application of Ontario CLRI tools that emphasize collaborative, appreciative, and experiential learning
- Contribute to quality improvement and advancing organizational goals with training and education
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
Past participants who enrolled in SECL from 2024 or before are also welcome to apply! SECL features new and refreshed content, making it ideal for both past participants and new team members.
All SECL levels are offered free of charge to help build education capacity at both the individual and organizational level.
Registration for Level One is currently open. Complete our registration form to register. The last day to apply for the Spring 2026 cohort is April 24. Spots are limited! Apply while spots are available.
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 Interprofessional Educator.
- Level One: Combines virtual synchronous training sessions and LTC specific scenario practice, reflection activities, and resources
- Level Two: Consists of four virtual synchronous workshops, reflection activities and resources
- Level Three: Currently under development.
We use Zoom for live sessions and Brightspace LMS as the program hub for communication and resources.
Each level varies in time commitment:
- Level One: Runs for seven weeks (approx. 12 hrs.)
- Level Two: Four workshops over four weeks (approx. five hrs.)
- Level Three: Currently under development.
This program was developed by experts from the following organizations:
- 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
- University Health Network, Toronto Rehab
The SECL program is only open to team members at Ontario long-term Care homes.
- Personal Computer, laptop or tablet with internet access
- Zoom, click here to download the Zoom application
- Brightspace Learning Management System (LMS)
Each SECL level has its own completion requirements:
- Level One: Attend all virtual synchronous training sessions and complete the LTC scenario practice, reflection activity and final program survey in Brightspace.
- Level Two: Attend all virtual synchronous session workshops and complete the program reflection and survey in Brightspace.
- Level Three: Currently under development — stay tuned for updates!
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.
Related Resources
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