6A-4.0141. Specialization Requirements for Certification in the Area of Preschool Education (Birth Through Age Four) - Academic Class

Competencies for the specialization requirements are listed in the publication “Competencies for Specialization Requirements for Educators’ Certification in Florida, First Edition” which is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this rule. Copies of this publication may be obtained from the Bureau of Teacher Certification, Florida Department of Education, The Florida Education Center, Tallahassee, Florida 32399.

(1) Plan One. A bachelor’s or higher degree with an undergraduate or graduate major in preschool education (birth through age four [4]), or

(2) Plan Two. A bachelor’s or higher degree with forty-five (45) semester hours in preschool education (birth through age four [4]) to include the areas specified below:

(a) Three (3) semester hours in child growth and development from conception to age eight (8) with emphasis on infants, toddlers, and preschoolers;

(b) Three (3) semester hours in the historical, philosophical, and sociological perspectives in early childhood education with emphasis on infants, toddlers, and preschoolers;

(c) Eighteen (18) semester hours in developmentally appropriate integrated curriculum and practices in programs serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers which include integrated field experiences;

(d) Six (6) semester hours in issues and practices to promote family and community involvement in programs serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers which include integrated field experiences;

(e) Three (3) semester hours in health, nutrition, and safety in programs serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers;

(f) Three (3) semester hours in diagnosis, assessment, and evaluation of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers which include integrated field experiences;

(g) Six (6) semester hours in special needs of all infants, toddlers, and preschoolers which include integrated field experiences; and

(h) Three semester hours in child guidance and management of the physical settings for programs serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers which include integrated field experiences; or

(3) Plan Three. A bachelor’s or higher degree with an undergraduate or graduate degree major in early childhood education or primary education (kindergarten through grade three [3]); or a bachelor’s or higher degree with the specialization and professional preparation requirements completed for the prekindergarten (age three [3] through grade three [3]) certification coverage; and completion of twelve (12) semester hours to include integrated field experiences as specified below:

(a) Credit in developmentally appropriate integrated curriculum and practices in programs serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers;

(b) Credit in diagnosis, assessment, and evaluation of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers;

(c) Credit in the special needs of all infants, toddlers, and preschoolers; and

(d) Credit in child guidance and management of the physical settings for programs serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers; or

(4) Plan Four. A bachelor’s or higher degree with specialization and professional preparation requirements completed for the early childhood education or the primary education (kindergarten through grade three [3]) certification coverage; and completion of twenty-four (24) semester hours to include integrated field experiences as specified below:

(a) Three (3) semester hours in child growth and development from conception to age eight (8) with emphasis on infants, toddlers, and preschoolers;

(b) Credit in the historical, philosophical, and sociological perspectives in early childhood education with emphasis on infants, toddlers, and preschoolers;

(c) Nine (9) semester hours in developmentally appropriate integrated curriculum and practices in programs serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers;

(d) Credit in issues and practices to promote family and community involvement in programs serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers;

(e) Credit in health, nutrition, and safety in programs serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers;

(f) Three (3) semester hours in diagnosis, assessment, and evaluation of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers;

(g) Six (6) semester hours in special needs of all infants, toddlers, and preschoolers; and

(h) Credit in child guidance and management of the physical settings for programs serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Rulemaking Authority 1001.02, 1012.55, 1012.56 FS. Law Implemented 1001.02, 1012.54, 1012.55, 1012.56 FS. History–New 5-30-94.