La. Admin. Code tit. 28 § CXXXI-541

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 6, June 20, 2024

Section CXXXI-541 - Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate

A. The early childhood ancillary certificate (ECAC) authorizes an individual to teach in a publicly-funded early learning center serving children ages birth to five as defined in R.S 17:407.33, unless program requirements mandate a professional-level certificate. After June 30, 2019, an individual shall have, at a minimum, an early childhood ancillary certificate to serve as a lead teacher in a publicly-funded early learning center. An application for an ECAC may be submitted by the individual or the employer.

B. Early Childhood Ancillary Certificates

1. Eligibility Requirements. An early childhood ancillary certificate shall be issued to an applicant who submits evidence of one of the following to the LDE:

a. a baccalaureate degree or higher from a college or university accredited in accordance with 34 CFR 602 ;

b. a current child development associate (CDA) credential, either infant/toddler, preschool or family childcare, awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition and a high school diploma or equivalent:

i. after July 1, 2018, all 120 clock hours of coursework for the CDA must be earned from a BESE-approved early childhood ancillary certificate program provider for initial issuance:

(a). an individual who has completed 36 or more clock hours of coursework for the CDA by July 1, 2018, may complete the remaining coursework for the CDA from any CDA provider;

(b). an individual who has not completed 36 or more clock hours of coursework for the CDA by July 1, 2018, must earn all 120 hours of coursework for the CDA from a BESE-approved early childhood ancillary certificate program provider;

(c). after July 1, 2018, individuals may submit a request to the LDE to waive the requirement that all 120 hours of coursework for the CDA be obtained from a BESE-approved early childhood ancillary certificate program if the individual is able to demonstrate unavailability of enrollment options within a reasonable geographic proximity;

ii. after July 1, 2018, applicants who obtained a CDA or completed coursework from a provider that is not BESE-approved while residing in another state shall submit additional documentation of program components for approval;

iii. coursework counting toward the early childhood ancillary certificate shall include at least 10 training hours in each of the following subject areas:

(a). planning and implementing a safe and healthy learning environment;

(b). advancing physical and intellectual development;

(c). supporting social and emotional development;

(d). building productive relationships with families;

(e). managing an effective program operation;

(f). maintaining a commitment to professionalism;

(g). observing and recording child behavior; and

(h). understanding principles of child development and learning;

c. an associate degree in an early childhood related field from a college or university accredited in accordance with 34 CFR 602 ;

d. a technical diploma or certificate of technical studies in an early childhood related field from an accredited technical or community college:

i. after July 1, 2018, all coursework for technical diplomas and certificates of technical studies must be earned from a BESE-approved provider;

ii. after July 1, 2018, individuals may submit a request to the LDE to waive the requirement that coursework be obtained from a BESE-approved early childhood ancillary certificate program if the individual is able to demonstrate unavailability of enrollment options within a reasonable geographic proximity; and

e. a career diploma that has been approved by the Louisiana Pathways Career Development System, and in which coursework began prior to July 1, 2018.

2. Renewal Requirements:

a. For individuals meeting eligibility requirements with a CDA, the early childhood ancillary certificate shall be valid for a three-year period. The ancillary certificate may be renewed by the LDOE at the request of the applicant employer with submission of either documentation of a renewed, valid CDA credential, awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition, or documentation of:

i. either a 3 semester-hour course or 45 clock hours of approved training or professional development in early childhood care and education completed within the last three years; and

ii. a minimum of 80 hours of work experience with young children or families with young children within the last three years.

b. For individuals meeting eligibility requirements with a baccalaureate degree or higher, associate degree, technical diploma, certificate of technical studies, or career diploma, the early childhood ancillary certificate shall be valid for a three-year period. The certificate may be renewed by the LDE at the request of the applicant's employer with submission of documentation of:

i. either a 3 semester-hour course, 45 clock hours of training in early childhood care and education completed within the last three years or a valid CDA credential earned from a BESE-approved early childhood ancillary certificate program and awarded by the council for Professional Recognition; and

ii. a minimum of 80 hours of work experience with young children or families with young children within the last three years.

La. Admin. Code tit. 28, § CXXXI-541

Amended LR 48440 (3/1/2022), Repromulgated LR 481043 (4/1/2022), Amended LR 50662 (5/1/2024).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 17:17:6(A)(10), (11), and (15), R.S. 17:7(6), and R.S. 17:407.81.