Note: Course content has been updated to align with Ontario College of Teachers guidelines and the implemented Kindergarten Curriculum 2026. The revised curriculum, featuring new expectations in literacy, mathematics, coding, and foundational skills, replaces the Kindergarten Program 2016 for the 2026/27 school year.
Kindergarten Specialist is designed to extend and deepen the concepts discussed in Kindergarten Parts 1 and 2 and ask candidates to apply those concepts through the lens of becoming a leader. In the Specialist Additional Qualification course, we specifically pay attention to building the leadership capacity of ourselves as effective facilitators and to strengthen our Kindergarten teams. We will broaden our instructional practices beyond the focus of our own classroom, instead exploring concepts such as adult learning principles, professional learning communities (PLCs) and networks (PLNs), change theory, mentoring, and teacher inquiry through evidence-based practices. Candidates will have opportunities to communicate and apply learning through practical experiences, discussion, networking and sharing the products of their learning. Leadership in assessment and strategies for building collaboration and support within the Kindergarten education community will be examined.
Prerequisites
- OCT member in good standing with a permanent teaching certificate
- Successful completion of the Additional Qualification course: Kindergarten, Part 2; and
- Two years of successful teaching experience, including one year teaching Kindergarten, that is certified by a supervisory officer*
Teaching Experience Form
Candidates are responsible for ensuring they satisfy the specific eligibility prerequisites.
*Teaching Experience forms must be submitted to ETFO AQ (see policies and forms) prior to the start of the course. Failure to submit the necessary documents will result in the candidate being removed from the course.
Session
Registration
Opens April 21, 2026
Closes June 16, 2026
Register