Section 408.APPENDIX F   Early Childhood Teacher Credentialing Programs

The Department will use the following criteria to review and approve early childhood teacher credentialing programs:

Eligibility Requirements

1.         Candidates must be at least 18 years of age.

2.         Candidates must have at least a high school diploma or equivalency (GED).

3.         The credentialing program must require a minimum of 640 clock hours of documented experience within the past 5 years working with children ages zero to 6 in a public or private school operated nursery school, kindergarten or licensed day care center.

Credentialing Process

The credentialing process must include:

1.         The child care director's recommendation in support of the candidate.

2.         A review of the applicant's interaction with children under direct supervision by an impartial person.

3.         A minimum of 120 clock hours of broad based training that has been completed successfully and that has been documented.  One semester hour of college credits in early childhood education is equivalent to 15 clock hours of formal in-service training.  This training may be completed through:

A.        Early childhood education courses at an accredited college or university; or

B.        Documented seminars and workshops pertaining to the growth and education of children zero to 6 years of age, at educational conferences of recognized national or state associations, agencies, or educational institutions.

4.         Professional resource file or portfolio that demonstrates the understanding of core professional content areas including, but not limited to, the following:

A.        Principles of child growth and development.

B.        Planning a safe, healthy learning environment.

C.        Advancing children's physical and intellectual development.

D.        Supporting children's social and emotional development.

E.         Establishing productive relationships among family, school, and community.

F.         Managing an effective program operation.

G.        Maintaining a commitment to professionalism.

H.        Observing and recording children's behavior.

I.          Understanding the development of children's language.

5.         An evaluation program that requires a professional review through observation and written assessment of:

A.        Competence in the core professional content areas.

B.        Interaction with children in the child care environment.

C.        Professional portfolio or file.

D.        Required training.

E.         Verbal and written communication skills.

6.         Observation and final assessment shall be done by an impartial committee or individual, not by the candidate's own director/employer.

7.         A renewal of the credential shall be required at least every 5 years and shall require at least 20 additional clock hours of training.  One semester hour of college is considered equivalent to 15 clock hours of formal in-service training.

8.         All training shall be documented.

Approved Credentials

Child Development Associate Credential

Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition

2460 16th Street, N.W.

Washington, DC 20009

1-800-424-4310

Certified Childcare Professional

National Child Care Association

1029 Railroad Street, N.W.

Conyers, Georgia 30207

1-800-543-7161

(Source:  Added at 25 Ill. Reg. 5281, effective April 1, 2001)