Requirements for the Standard Professional Early Childhood Certificate, Birth-Grade 3 or Age 8 Arizona Department of Education – Certification Unit Certificate Information: This Certificate authorizes the holder to teach grades PreK-3 or Age 8. This certificate is optional for grades K-3 if the teacher holds an Elementary certificate. Endorsements may be added to this certificate and approved areas may not be added to this certificate. This certificate is good for 12 years and is renewable. Administrative Requirement Checklist: The following items are required by the Certification Unit to complete a Substantive review. The Administrative requirements must be submitted as described, if not, the processing of your application could be delayed. Application fees are non-refundable. ? Application & Fee: Complete the Application for Certification and submit it with the appropriate fee. ? IVP Fingerprint Card: Submit a photocopy of your valid Arizona Department of Public Safety Identity Verified Prints (IVP) fingerprint card, (not the paper copy), with your application. ? Official Transcripts: Request that your university/college submit official transcripts documenting a Bachelor’s or more advanced degree directly to certification@azed.gov, or by mail to Arizona Department of Education – Certification Unit, P.O. Box 6490, Phoenix, AZ 85005. ? Foreign Transcripts: Request a course-by-course evaluation to be completed by an approved Foreign Credential Evaluation Agency to identify the equivalent degree in the United States. These need to be submitted directly to certification@azed.gov. o Note: Transcripts submitted by the applicant via the online portal or by email are not considered official. --One of the following-- ? Exams: Submit a copy of your passing AEPA/NEA exam results or appropriate documentation that you qualify for an exam waiver. (See Exam Requirements). If you are submitting teaching experience, please have your HR complete the Verification of PreK-12 Teaching Experience form. The form needs to be submitted by the HR Department to certification@azed.gov. --OR-- ? Out-of-State Certificate/License: Submit a photocopy of your out-of-state certificate/license with your application. Substantive Requirements – Coursework: Option A, B, or C Option A: Teacher Preparation Program: - Completion of a teacher preparation program in early childhood education from a Board-approved educator preparation program or from an accredited institution offering substantially similar training, addressing the topics listed below and any others as required by law: Research-based systematic phonics, including early language and literacy development; Research-based instructional strategies for delivering differentiated reading instruction, assessment, intervention and remediation to support readers of varying ages and ability levels, including students with dyslexia; Foundations of early childhood education; Teaching students with exceptionalities; Child guidance and classroom management, including characteristics and quality practices for typical and atypical behaviors of young children; Child growth and development, including health, safety and nutrition; Child, family, cultural and community relationships; Developmentally appropriate instructional methodologies for teaching language, math, science, social studies and the arts; Assessing, monitoring and reporting progress of young children; Instructional 10/18/2021 Requirements may be subject to change and are fully referenced in the Arizona Revised Statutes and Administrative Code. Page 1 of 4 R7-2-606; R7-2-607; R-2-601.01; R7-2-608 (A)(B)(D); R7-2-621
