6A-4.0142

Specialization Requirements for Certification in the Area of Prekindergarten/Primary Education (Age Three Through Grade Three) - 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 Educator 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 prekindergarten/primary education (age three [3] through grade three [3]), or

(2) Plan Two. A bachelor's or higher degree with forty-five (45) semester hours in prekindergarten/primary education (age three [3] through grade three [3]) to include the areas specified below:

(a) Three (3) semester hours in child growth and development from conception to age eight (8);

(b) Three (3) semester hours in the historical, philosophical, and sociological perspectives in early childhood education;

(c) Eighteen (18) semester hours in developmentally appropriate integrated curriculum and practices in programs serving age three (3) through grade three (3) which include integrated field experiences;

(d) Six (6) semester hours in issues and practices to promote family and community involvement which include integrated field experiences;

(e) Three (3) semester hours in health, nutrition, and safety;

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

(g) Six (6) semester hours in special needs of all children and their families which include integrated field experiences; and

(h) Three (3) semester hours in child guidance and classroom management which include integrated field experiences.

(3) Plan Three. A bachelor's or higher degree with an undergraduate or graduate degree major in the area of preschool education (birth through age four [4]); or a bachelor's or higher degree with the specialization and professional preparation requirements completed for the area of preschool education (birth through age four [4]); and completion of twelve (12) semester hours in prekindergarten/primary education to include integrated field experiences as specified below:

(a) Credit in developmentally appropriate integrated curriculum and practices in programs serving children age five (5) through grade three (3);

(b) Credit in diagnosis, assessment, and evaluation for children age five (5) through grade three (3);

(c) Credit in special needs of children (age five [5] through grade [3]) and their families; and

(d) Credit in child guidance and classroom management for children (age five [5] through grade three [3]).

(4) Plan Four. A bachelor's or higher degree with an undergraduate or graduate degree major in the area of primary education (grades kindergarten through grade three [3]) and twelve (12) semester hours in prekindergarten/primary education to include integrated field experiences as specified below:

(a) Credit in developmentally appropriate integrated curriculum and practices in programs serving children ages three (3) and four (4);

(b) Credit in issues and practices to promote family and community involvement;

(c) Credit in diagnosis, assessment, and evaluation for children ages three (3) and four (4); and

(d) Six (6) semester hours in special needs of all children and their families.

(5) Plan Five. A bachelor's or higher degree with an undergraduate or graduate degree major in elementary education (grades one [1] through six [6]); or a bachelor's or higher degree with the specialization and professional preparation requirements completed for elementary education (grades one [1] through six [6]) or primary education (grades kindergarten through grade three [3]); and fifteen (15) semester hours in prekindergarten/primary education to include integrated field experiences as specified below:

(a) Six (6) semester hours in developmentally appropriate integrated curriculum and practices in programs serving children ages three (3) through five (5);

(b) Credit in health, nutrition, and safety for children;

(c) Credit in diagnosis, assessment, and evaluation of young children;

(d) Credit in the education of young children with special needs and their families; and

(e) Credit in child guidance and management of classrooms with young children.

Specific Authority 1001.02, 1012.55, 1012.56 FS. Law Implemented 1001.02, 1012.54, 1012.55, 1012.56 FS. History–New 5-30-94, Amended 7-17-00.