To develop both formal and informal professional development training and course standards for early learning program instructors.

 

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Division of Early Learning

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

6M-4.735Early Learning Professional Development Standards and Career Pathways

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: To develop both formal and informal professional development training and course standards for early learning program instructors.

SUMMARY: Formal and informal professional development training and course standards for early learning program instructors.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: The office's economic analysis of the adverse impact or potential regulatory costs of the proposed rule does not exceed any of the criteria established in s. 120.541(2)(a), F.S. and will not require legislative ratification.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 1002.995(3), F.S.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 1001.02(1), (2)(n), 1002.995, F.S.

A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:

DATE AND TIME: May 11, 2022, 9:00 a.m.

PLACE: Tennessee Williams Theatre, CFK Campus, 5901 College Road, Key West, Florida 33040.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Katerina Maroney, Deputy Director of Programs and Policy, Division of Early Learning, 250 Marriott Dr., Tallahassee, Florida 32399, [phone]; [e-mail].

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

6M-4.735 Early Learning Professional Development Standards and Career Pathways.

(1) Definitions.

(a) through (b) No change.

(c) “Florida Early Care and Education Professional Development Registry or Registry” is a database or the process used by which the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to tracks or recognize the progression of completed professional development coursework and trainings of teachers and directors working in child care programs.

(d) through (f) No change.

(g) “Micro-credential” is a short sequence of training or professional development that leads to mastery in a certain topic, subject or competency, and may stack onto other credentials.

(h)(g)“Professional Development” is a continuum of continuing education opportunities available for teachers and directors designed to increase and strengthen the knowledge, skills, practices, and dispositions needed for School Readiness programs.

(i)(h) “Professional Development Designation or Designation” identifies the professional development status or credentials earned along a career pathway.

(j)(i) “Specialization” is a sequence of coursework or training focused on specific topics such as infant-toddler, trauma informed care childcare center management, inclusion, etc. Specializations can be formal or informal.

(k)(j) “Stackable Credential” is a credential that builds upon prior education or professional development to increase competencies for teachers and directors.

(2) Career pathways. A School Readiness, child care, or VPK Program teacher, or director, or other support staff serving children birth to school age may enter a formal or informal career pathway recognized by the Registry upon completion of core training requirements. The requirements for each career pathway are outlined in Form DELOEL-SR 735, Early Learning Professional Development Standards and Career Pathways Handbook (June 2022August, 2020), hereby incorporated by reference and may be obtained at the Division office website at www.floridaearlylearning.com or by contacting the Division Office of Early Learning, Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street250 Marriott Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400. The incorporated form is also available at: http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-12057.

(a) through (d) No change.

(e) A School Readiness, child care, or VPK Program teacher, or director, or other support staff serving children birth to school age can earn a professional development designation as an early childhood educator or after-school educator on a career pathway once the teacher or director has successfully completed or attained a credential or academic degree outlined in Form DELOEL-SR 735, Early Learning Professional Development Standards and Career Pathways Handbook (June 2022August, 2020). Designations are limited to early childhood educator (ECE) I through III or after-school educator (ASE) I through III. Early childhood and after school educator designations are for individuals working with children from birth to kindergarten entry or birth to school age.

(3) Stackable credentials. A School Readiness, child care, or VPK Program teacher, or director, or other support staff serving children birth to school age designated as an early childhood educator I through III (ECE I, ECE II, or ECE III), or an afterschool educator I through III (ASE I, ASE II, or ASE III) can complete an identified credential(s) or Registry recognized micro-credential which may be stacked to earn a formal or informal specialization. Educators with a designation may stack multiple identified credentials or Registry recognized micro-credentials to earn a specialization.

(4) Micro-credentials. A School Readiness, child care, or VPK Program teacher, director, or other support staff serving children birth to school age may complete a micro-credential in any of the topics outlined in Form DEL-SR 735 and are not limited to a single micro-credential. Educators shall submit documented proof of a completed micro-credential to the Registry for recognition. Micro-credentials recognized by the Registry can be added to the teacher’s or director’s Registry record at any time and will not expire.

(5)(4) Specializations. A School Readiness, child care, or VPK Program teacher, or director, or other support staff serving children birth to school age may complete a specialization in any of the topics outlined in Form DELOEL-SR 735. Individuals are not limited to a single specialization. Educators shall submit documented proof of completed professional development or earned micro-credential to the Registry for specialization recognition. The Registry shall verify that documentation submitted is valid and meets subject matter and educational institution requirements outlined in Form DEL-SR 735. Informal or formal specializations recognized by the Registry can be added to the teacher’s or director’s Registry record at any time and will not expire.

Rulemaking Authority 1001.213(2), 1002.995(3) FS. Law Implemented 1002.995 FS. History‒New 8-13-20,

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Katerina Maroney, Deputy Director of Programs and Policy, Division of Early Learning.

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Richard Corcoran, Commissioner, Department of Education.

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: April 08, 2022

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: March 4, 2022