Rio Salado College Receives State Approval to
Offer Post Baccalaureate Early Childhood
Teacher Certification

By Mary Briden, Rio Salado College, Tempe, AZ

In response to Arizona’s new Early Childhood Education Teacher Certification and Endorsement requirement, Rio Salado College (RSC) is proud to announce that its newest On-line Post Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program, Early Childhood Education, has been approved by the Arizona State Board of Education. It is one of only five Board approved programs in Arizona. In keeping with RSC’s state, national, and international reputation of offering high quality, accessible, flexible, and responsive programs, RSC is also offering an Early Childhood (PreK-3) Endorsement Program for certified teachers beginning in May 2009.

These two new programs, like other RSC state approved online teacher education programs in elementary, secondary, and special education, are offered on-line in conjunction with site-based practicums, internships working with infants, toddlers, or preschool children, and student teaching in a K-3 classroom. Tuition is very affordable with on-line courses starting every Monday and never cancelled. A Master’s Degree in Education (MEd) transfer partnership between Rio Salado College and Northcentral University (NCU) is in place and allows for the transfer of 18 RSC credits towards a 36 credit MEd in one of NCU’s nine master’s degree specializations. This partnership includes a 10percent reduction in NCU tuition for post baccalaureate program completers and teachers with 18 or more RSC endorsement/professional development credits, no transcript or credit transfer fees and no GMAT or GRE exams are required.

The post baccalaureate program is approved for birth through 3rd grade teacher certification with the 47 credits of coursework, including the required Structured English Immersion (SEI) courses, directly applying toward an Arizona Early Childhood Teaching Certificate. The endorsement program is comprised of 29 credits, with all course work applying directly toward an Early Childhood Endorsement.

At the present time, Arizona State Board Rule requires that by July 1, 2009, this Certification or Endorsement will be mandatory for all individuals teaching in Arizona public school early childhood programs serving children birth through kindergarten in the following types of programs in public schools: Half- or full-day kindergarten; Early Childhood Block Grant; Family Literacy; Title I; community education programs; and Head Start, if the LEA is the Delegate Agency (has administrative and fiscal authority). However, at the State Board of Education meeting on September 22, 2008, the board voted to open the rule language for both Certification and Endorsement to review the recommended changes proposed by the Certification Advisory Committee (CAC) that the implementation date be changed to July 1, 2012. Public comment is currently being accepted.

The Early Childhood Teacher Certification and Endorsement is optional, but recommended for individuals teaching in public school grades 1-3. Teachers in early childhood special education programs are not required to obtain the Early Childhood Certificate or Endorsement if they are teaching only children with special needs. Such teachers must obtain an Early Childhood Special Education Certificate (birth to five years).

For additional information regarding RSC Post Baccalaureate Early Childhood Teacher Certification Program, Click Here. For information related to the Early Childhood Teacher Endorsement, Click Here.