Education Law Qualification Program

Overview

Our Education Law Qualification Program (ELQP) supports candidates in the development of knowledge, skills and leadership practices associated with the legal responsibilities within the principal and vice-principal role.

Areas of accountability will be explored with an embedded focus on the

  • complexity of Education Law and the application of policies and regulations
  • impact of labour relations and collective agreements and 
  • fundamental importance of human rights and equity in creating inclusive spaces for all members of the school community.

Module Information

This program is made up of four modules. The breakdown of asynchronous and synchronous hours that total the required 125 hours is shown below. 

Asynchronous Hours

Synchronous Hours

Total Required Hours
121 4 125

The synchronous opportunities include the following opportunities for engagement

  • an introductory session for facilitators and participants to connect, review course expectations and attendance for  synchronous sessions,
  • presentation by an OPC Protective Services Consultant on a current issue that administrators are dealing with and the underlying education law,
  • presentation by a representative from Human Resources on staff investigations,
  • presentation on a case involving a student with special needs and the Human Rights Tribunal and
  • a presentation by the Course Lead based on questions submitted by participants.

Pre-module and Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) Access

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Pre-module

All candidates will be asked to complete an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) self-directed module (generally 2-5 hours) that is meant activate prior knowledge, provide an opportunity for self-reflection and new knowledge building. It is our hope that you will take the learning and reflection from this pre-module forward into the course as you engage with the facilitator and colleagues on a variety of topics. 

Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) Access

All program content and the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) access will be available to candidates/participants one week in advance of the program/course and will remain active for two weeks after the end of the program/course. Following this period, candidates/participants will no longer have access to assignments, conversations, resources or other content. Please save any information that you would like to retain during the timeframe that you have access to the LMS.

Module 1 - Legal Concepts and Terms
  • From Case to Law: Sabrina’s Law 
  • Legal Concepts and Terms: Application to Practice 
  • Policies, Regulations and Procedures 
  • The Education Act and Regulations: Group Discussions 

Module 2 - Management of Schools

  • Labour Relations 

  • Collective Agreements / Terms and Conditions 

  • Contract Analysis 

  • Supervision of Employees 

  • Complaints/Litigation Against Principals 

  • Principal’s Duty to Supervise: Case Studies 

Module 3 - Rights of Students and Employees

  • Equity and Land Acknowledgement 

  • The Ontario Human Rights Code and the Role of the Principal 

  • Custody and Access 

  • Privacy and Information Management 

  • Safeguarding against Injury 

  • Search and Seizure 

Module 4 - Safety and Health of Employees and Students

  • Student Health 

  • Employee Health and the Duty to Accommodate 

  • Health and Safety 

  • Student and Employee Safety 

  • Investigation of Employees  

Admission Requirements

  • Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) Certificate of Qualification and Registration in good standing.

Program Fee

$900.00

Includes all four modules and a $50 non-refundable registration fee.

Full payment is required for registration to be confirmed.

Upcoming Sessions

Fall 2025 - Online
September 30 - December 14
  • Module 1: September 30 - October 14
  • Module 2: October 15 - November 3
  • Module 3: November 4 - November 24
  • Module 4: November 25 - December 14

Registration deadline: September 16
Spring 2026 - Online

March 23 - June 6

  • Module 1: March 23 - April 7
  • Module 2: April 8 - April 26
  • Module 3: April 27 - May 16
  • Module 4: May 17 - June 4

Registration deadline: March 9

Register

Board Partnerships

The ELQP can be locally customized to meet the unique needs of your district. If you are interested in offering this program with your board, please complete our Additional Qualification (AQ) Board Cohort Request Form or contact us at learning@principals.ca for more information.

Terms and Conditions

Academic Integrity and Engagement
Professional Learning Expectations and Standards
Accessibility and Other Policies
Our Accessibility and other policies that relate to our programs are outlined on the OPC Policies webpage.
Program Tax Receipt

A tax receipt will be generated and available on your OPC account by the end of February for the previous tax year.

To access the document:

  • Log into the OPC website.
  • Go to "My Profile" on the navy blue bar towards the top right of the browser window.
  • Click on “Program Tax Receipts”.
  • Select the appropriate year to open and print your tax receipt.

Refund Policy

Cancellation Date

Refund Amount

Up to two weeks before start date

$850

One week before start date

$250

After start date

$0

A full refund applies when a session is cancelled due to low enrollment.

For more information about the program, please contact elqp@principals.ca