W. Va. Code R. § 126-136-12

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 126-136-12 - [Effective 1/11/2025] Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher (ECCAT) Authorization, Paraprofessional Certification, and Aide V/VI Assistant Teacher

12.1. ECCAT I.

12.1.a. General Criteria. An ECCAT I Temporary Authorization may be issued to a candidate performing duties in a pre-k through grade 3 classroom if the candidate is employed as an ECCAT when they apply for authorization and they hold a high school diploma, WVBE-approved high school equivalent, or a degree, if applicable, through an accredited IHE.

12.1.a.1. A person employed as an ECCAT in a pre-k through grade 3 program shall hold the position of either ECCAT I, ECCAT II, or ECCAT III (W. Va. Code § 18-5-18).

12.1.b. Conditions for Issuance. A candidate for an ECCAT Authorization is required to submit documentation that they meet the following criteria: holds a minimum of a high school diploma, a WVBE-approved high school equivalent, or a degree, if applicable, through an accredited IHE; a commitment verifying the candidate's agreement to complete coursework, approved by the WVDE in the areas of early childhood education special education, child development, and early childhood literacy, numeracy, which includes classroom and behavior management and expectations; and, meets the criminal history record check requirements;

12.1.b.1. Academic Assessment. A candidate hired by a county board of education shall have met a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrate, through a formal state-approved academic assessment, the ability to assist in instructing, reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness, as appropriate. A candidate who has passed the current state competency exam for aides, administered by a county board of education, and developed (W. Va. Code § 18A-4-8e); or, holds a valid or expired Professional Teaching Certificate that has been expired for five years or less or its equivalent is sufficient to satisfy this requirement; and,

12.1.b.2. Be recommended by their employer for an ECCAT I Authorization which shall be either the employing county superintendent or the director of the employing collaborative community program under contract with the employing county board of education.

12.1.c. Renewal of Initial ECCAT I Temporary Authorization. A candidate for renewal is required to submit documentation that they meet one of the following: completion of unduplicated WVDE-approved coursework equivalent to a minimum of three semester hours in the areas of early childhood special education, child development, early childhood literacy, numeracy, which includes classroom and behavior management and expectations; be newly hired and/or assigned to an ECCAT I position; completion of semester hours for the Apprenticeship for Child Development Program (ACDS) verified by a seal-bearing certificate; completion of semester hours for a CDA Credential verified by a CDA Advisor's signature; or, completion of approved CTE coursework; and,

12.1.c.1 Be recommended by their employer for an ECCAT I Authorization which shall be either the employing county superintendent or the director of the employing collaborative community program under contract with the employing county board of education.

12.1.d. Validity Period. An ECCAT I Temporary Authorization is valid for one school year and may be renewed twice.

12.1.e. Grade Extension for Grades 1 through 3. Candidates who hold an ECCAT I Temporary Authorization issued with an effective date prior to July 1, 2023, are eligible to apply for an endorsement for grades 1-3 by completing the required WVDE-approved coursework that shall include early childhood literacy science of reading, and early childhood numeracy.

12.2. ECCAT II Permanent Authorization.

12.2.a. General Criteria. An ECCAT II Permanent Authorization may be issued to a candidate performing duties in a pre-k through grade 3 classroom if the candidate is employed as an ECCAT II and holds a high school diploma, WVBE-approved high school equivalent, or a degree, if applicable, through an accredited IHE and has completed the required WVDE-approved coursework.

12.2.a.1. A person employed as an ECCAT in a pre-k through grade 3 program shall hold the position of either ECCAT I, ECCAT II, or ECCAT III (W. Va. Code § 18-5-18).

12.2.b. Conditions for Issuance. A candidate for an ECCAT II Permanent Authorization is required to submit documentation that they meet the following criteria: a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrated through a formal state-approved academic assessment that includes, but is not limited to, a measurement of the candidate's subject matter knowledge and ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics as well as reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness as appropriate. A candidate who has passed the current state competency exam for aides, administered by a county board of education; and developed (W. Va. Code § 18A-4-8e), or has a valid or expired Professional Teaching Certificate that has been expired for five years or less or its equivalent is sufficient to meet this requirement; and,

12.2.b.1. A candidate for an ECCAT II Permanent Authorization is also required to meet one of the following: Completion of a program for the ACDS reflected through a seal bearing certificate issued by the United States Department of Labor or verification of Completion of a program for a CDA Credential verified by a current seal-bearing certificate issued by a CDA National Credentialing Program as well as completion of unduplicated WVDE-approved coursework equivalent to a minimum of three semester hours or WVLearns coursework in each of the two areas of early childhood literacy science of reading and numeracy; completion of unduplicated WVDE-approved coursework equivalent to a minimum of three semester hours or WVLearns coursework in each of the four areas of early childhood special education, child development, early childhood literacy science of reading, numeracy, which includes classroom management and expectations; and,

12.2.b.2. If a candidate is currently employed by a county board of education, multi-county CTE center, or WVSDT, the candidate must be recommended for an ECCAT II Permanent Authorization by the employing county superintendent. If the candidate is not employed by a county board of education, then they are required to submit a recommendation from a personal or professional reference that is not related to, nor residing in the same household as, the candidate.

12.2.c. Validity Period. An ECCAT II Permanent Authorization shall remain valid unless it is surrendered, suspended, or revoked.

12.2.d. Grade Extension for Grades 1 through 3. Candidates who hold an ECCAT II Permanent Authorization issued with an effective date prior to July 1, 2023, are eligible to apply for an endorsement for grades 1-3 by completing the required WVDE-approved coursework.

12.3. ECCAT III Permanent Authorization with Permanent Paraprofessional Certificate.

12.3.a. General Criteria. The ECCAT III Permanent Authorization may be issued to a candidate performing duties in a pre-k through third grade classroom if the candidate holds a high school diploma, WVBE-approved high school equivalent, or a degree, if applicable, through an accredited IHE; a Permanent Paraprofessional Certificate; and has completed the required WVDE-approved coursework.

12.3.a.1. A person employed as an ECCAT in a pre-k through grade 3 program shall hold the authorization for either ECCAT I, ECCAT II, or ECCAT III (W. Va. Code § 18-5-18).

12.3.b. Conditions for Issuance. A candidate for an ECCAT III Permanent Authorization is required to submit documentation that they meet the following criteria: a rigorous standard of quality demonstrated through a formal state-approved academic assessment that includes, but is not limited to, a measurement of the candidate's subject matter knowledge and ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics as well as reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness as appropriate. A candidate who has passed the current state competency exam for aides, administered by a county board of education, and developed (W. Va. Code § 18A-4-8e), or has a valid or expired Professional Teaching Certificate or its equivalent is sufficient to meet this requirement; and,

12.3.b.1. Completion of a program for the ACDS reflected through a seal bearing certificate issued by the United States Department of Labor or verification of Completion of a program for a CDA Credential verified by a current seal-bearing certificate issued by a CDA National Credentialing Program as well as completion of unduplicated WVDE-approved coursework equivalent to a minimum of three semester hours or WVLearns coursework in each of the two areas of early childhood literacy science of reading and numeracy; completion of unduplicated WVDE-approved coursework equivalent to a minimum of three semester hours or WVLearns coursework in each of the four areas of early childhood special education, child development, early childhood literacy science of reading, numeracy, which includes classroom and behavior management and expectations; and,

12.3.b.2. If a candidate is currently employed by a county board of education, multi-county CTE center, or WVSDT, the candidate must be recommended for an ECCAT III Permanent Authorization by the employing county superintendent. If the candidate is not employed by a county board of education, then the educator must secure a recommendation from a personal or professional reference that is not related to, nor residing in the same household as, the candidate.

12.3.c. Validity Period. A candidate who holds an authorization for ECCAT III shall be multi-classified and eligible for aide and/or paraprofessional positions. The ECCAT III authorization remains valid unless surrendered, suspended, or revoked.

12.3.d. Grade Extension for Grades 1 through 3. Candidates who hold an ECCAT III Permanent Authorization issued with an effective date prior to July 1, 2023, are eligible to apply for an endorsement for grades 1-3 by completing the required WVDE-approved coursework.

12.4. Permanent Paraprofessional Certificate.

12.4.a. General Criteria. A Paraprofessional Certificate may be issued to a candidate who meets the general requirements in accordance with section 9and the general conditions for issuance established in section 12.4.b. The Paraprofessional Certificate entitles the license holder to be employed in a support position including, but not limited to, facilitating the instruction and direct or indirect supervision of students under the supervision of a professional educator. The Permanent Paraprofessional Certificate remains valid unless surrendered, suspended, or revoked.

12.4.b. Conditions for Issuance. A candidate for a Permanent Paraprofessional Certificate is required to submit documentation that they have completed 36 semester hours of postsecondary education reflected on an official seal-bearing transcript or its equivalent in certificates of completion from WVDE's WVLearns courses in the following areas: a minimum of three semester hours each of college/university credit or its equivalent in reading, writing, and mathematical computations; or passing the respective WVBE-required basic skills exam in reading, writing, and mathematics; or meeting an exemption established in section 10. A valid Apprenticeship for Child Development Specialist (ACDS) certificate issued by the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) for a candidate who entered the program during or after Fall 2002 is sufficient to satisfy the reading and math if the coursework is approved by the designated official at the WVDE; and, meet the following requirements:

12.4.b.1. General Studies. A candidate must have successfully completed a minimum of six semester hours of college/university credit or its equivalent from the humanities, fine arts, and/or physical, biological, or social sciences. A valid Apprenticeship for Child Development Specialist (ACDS) certificate issued by the (USDOL) for a candidate who entered the program during or after Fall 2002 is sufficient to satisfy the general studies course requirements;

12.4.b.2. Special Education. A candidate must have successfully completed a minimum of three semester hours of college/university credit or its equivalent in special education. Documentation of a minimum of two years of successful experience which included special needs children and a minimum of 10 clock hours of in-service training directly related to special education may be substituted for the college/university credit experience was acquired in a public education classroom setting while the candidate was under direct supervision of a licensed public educator; or has successfully completed the WVLearns Early Childhood Special Needs Inclusion course offered through the WVDE; or holds a valid CDA certificate issued by the Council for Professional Recognition or completion of the CTE ECCAT program; or holds a valid ACDS certificate issued after 2002 by the USDOL;

12.4.b.3. Classroom Management. A candidate must have successfully completed a minimum of three semester hours of college/university credit or its equivalent in classroom management acquired in a public classroom setting or a non-public school accredited through a WVBE-approved accreditation agency in accordance with W. Va. 126CSR13C, Policy 2330, Non-public School Accreditation (Policy 2330). Documentation of a minimum of two years of experience in the successful use of classroom management skills may be substituted for college/university credit if the experience was acquired in the public education classroom setting or a non-public school accredited through a WVBE-approved accreditation agency in accordance with Policy 2330 while the candidate was under direct supervision of a licensed public educator; or hold a valid Apprenticeship for Child Development Specialist certificate issued by the USDOL for a candidate who entered the program during or after Fall 2002; or hold a valid CDA certificate issued by the Council for Professional Recognition;

12.4.b.4. Human Growth and Development. A candidate must have successfully completed a minimum of three semester hours of college/university credit or its equivalent in human growth and development or psychology, or hold a valid Apprenticeship for Child Development Specialist Certificate issued by the USDOL for a candidate who entered the program during or after Fall 2002; or successful completion of the WVLearns Early Childhood Child Development course offered through the WVDE; or documented completion of the CTE ECCAT program of study; or hold a valid CDA Certificate issued by the Council for Professional Recognition;

12.4.b.5. Electives. A candidate must have successfully completed twelve semester hours of electives related to public instruction or its equivalent. One elective requirement may be met if the candidate holds a valid Apprenticeship for Child Development Specialist certificate issued by the USDOL for those who entered the program during/after Fall 2002; or may include completion of WVLearns coursework in early childhood literacy science of reading, and early childhood numeracy equivalent to six semester hours; or holds a valid CDA certificate issued by the Council for Professional Recognition; and,

12.4.b.6. Academic Assessment. A candidate must have met a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrate, through a formal state-approved academic assessment that includes, but is not limited to, a measurement of the candidate's subject matter knowledge and ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing, and mathematics; as well as reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness, as appropriate. Paraprofessionals must meet WVBE requirements for the Paraprofessional Certificate. Paraprofessionals who have passed the current state competency exam for aides, administered by a county board of education, and developed (W. Va. Code § 18A-4-8e), is sufficient to meet this requirement; or,

12.4.b.7. Hold a valid out-of-state Professional Teaching Certificate or a valid or expired Professional Teaching Certificate that has been expired for five years or less or its equivalent; fulfills all coursework and, assessment criteria; and be recommended for a Permanent Paraprofessional Certificate by the employing county superintendent.

12.4.c. Certification for Grades PK through 3. Candidates who hold a Permanent Paraprofessional Certificate endorsed for PK-Adult are eligible to apply for a PK-3 endorsement to their Permanent Paraprofessional Certificate by completing the required WVDE-approved coursework that shall include early childhood literacy science of reading, and early childhood numeracy or WVDE-approved post-secondary coursework equivalent to three semester hours. A person holding a Permanent Paraprofessional Certificate without a PK-3 certification is prohibited from being employed in grade 1-3 classrooms.

12.5. Certificate for Paraprofessional Educators. Educational Sign Language Interpreter I and II.

12.5.a. Initial Paraprofessional Certificate Educational Sign Language Interpreter I.

12.5.a.1. General Criteria. An initial Paraprofessional Certificate Educational Sign Language Interpreter I may be issued to a candidate meeting the requirements in section 12.4.a and section 12.4.b; or, section 12.4.b.8 or its equivalent. A passing score on the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment-Written Test (EIPA-WT) satisfies the general conditions for issuance if the candidate submits documentation that they meet the following criteria: completed three semester hours of reading; three semester hours each of special education, human growth and development or psychology, and social studies; and, nine semester hours of electives related to public instruction or its equivalent.

12.5.a.2. Conditions of Issuance. A candidate for an Initial Paraprofessional Certificate for Educational Sign Language Interpreter I is required to submit documentation that they meet one of the following criteria: had a minimum score of 3.00 on the Educational Interpreter Proficiency Assessment (EIPA); holds a valid National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Certification-Level III or higher; a valid Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Certification; a valid National Interpreter Certification (NIC), or a valid state Quality Assurance Screening (QAS) Level II.

12.5.a.3. Validity Period. An Initial Paraprofessional Certificate for Educational Interpreter that is effective on or after January 1 may be issued as an Initial Paraprofessional Certificate Educational Interpreter valid until June 30 of the following school year. An Initial Paraprofessional Certificate Educational Interpreter may only be renewed twice.

12.5.a.4. Renewal of an Initial Paraprofessional Certificate for Educational Sign Language Interpreter I. A candidate for an initial Paraprofessional Certificate is required to provide documentation that they meet the following criteria: completion of a minimum of 15 clock hours of WVDE-approved professional learning activities; beginning July 1, 2021, completion of trauma-informed best practices; completion of the West Virginia Registry of Interpreters requirements; and, be recommended for an initial Paraprofessional Certificate for Educational Sign Language Interpreter I by the employing county superintendent; or, verification of assignment by the county superintendent if the candidate is performing contractual services.

12.5.a.5. Specific Conditions for Issuance. A candidate for a Permanent Paraprofessional Certificate for Educational Interpreter I is required to submit documentation that they meet one of the following criteria: had a minimum score of 3.5 on the EIPA; has a valid NAD Certification-Level IV or higher; a valid RID Certification; a valid NIC; or a valid state QAS Level III; achieved a passing score on the EIPA-Written Test for Content Knowledge; completion of the West Virginia Registry of Interpreters requirements; and, be recommended by the employing county superintendent; or verification of assignment by the county superintendent if the candidate is performing contractual services.

12.5.b. Permanent Paraprofessional Certificate for Educational Sign Language Interpreter II.

12.5.b.1. General Criteria. A Permanent Paraprofessional Certificate for Educational Sign Language Interpreter II may be issued to a candidate meeting the requirements in section 12.5.a.1 and section 12.5.b.2. A Permanent Paraprofessional Certificate-Educational Sign Language Interpreter II remains valid unless surrendered, suspended, or revoked.

12.5.b.2. Specific Conditions for Issuance. A candidate for the Permanent Paraprofessional Certificate for Educational Interpreter II is required to submit documentation that they meet the following criteria: had a minimum score of 3.5 on the EIPA; has a valid NAD Certification-Level IV or higher; a valid RID Certification; a valid NIC; or a valid state QAS Level III; and achieved a passing score on the EIPA-Written Test for Content Knowledge; completion of the West Virginia Registry of Interpreters requirements; and, be recommended for a Permanent Paraprofessional Certificate for Educational Interpreter II by the employing county superintendent.

12.5.c. Restricted Initial Paraprofessional Educational Sign Language Interpreter.

12.5.c.1. General Criteria. A candidate for a Restricted Initial Paraprofessional Educational Interpreter must meet all issuance requirements in sections 12.5.a.1 and 12.5.b.2 except for the minimum required assessment scores or certificate levels.

12.5.c.2. Conditions of Issuance. A candidate for a Restricted Initial Paraprofessional Educational Sign Language Interpreter is required to submit documentation that they meet the following criteria: has taken one of the required assessments a minimum of once; submitted a completed Professional Development Plan; agreed to attend all WVDE-approved trainings as required by WVDE; and, be recommended for a Restricted Initial Paraprofessional Educational Sign Language Interpreter Certificate by the employing county superintendent.

12.5.c.3. Validity Period. A Restricted Initial Paraprofessional Certificate for Educational Sign Language Interpreter is valid for one school year and may be renewed twice.

12.5.c.4. Renewal of the Restricted Paraprofessional Certificate for Educational Sign Language Interpreter. A candidate for renewal is required to submit documentation that they meet the following criteria: completed a minimum of 15 clock hours of WVDE-approved professional learning activities; beginning July 1, 2021, completion of trauma-informed best practices; submitted a completed Professional Development Plan; completion of the West Virginia Registry of Interpreters requirements; provided assessment scores annually demonstrating progress toward meeting the required scores established in section 12.5.b.2; or if pending receipt of assessment results, the recommendation of the designated WVDE official from the Office of Special Education may be used to demonstrate progress; and, be recommended for renewal of the Restricted Paraprofessional Certificate by the employing county superintendent.

12.6. Aide V. Special Education Assistant Teacher.

12.6.a. General Criteria. A Temporary Authorization for Special Education Assistant Teacher may be issued to a candidate who is currently employed as a special education assistant teacher that has a high school diploma, a WVBE-approved high school equivalent, or a degree, if applicable, through an accredited IHE. A Special Education Assistant Teacher Temporary Authorization is valid for one school year and, may be renewed twice.

12.6.b. General Conditions for Issuance. A candidate for a Special Education Assistant Teacher Temporary Authorization is required to submit documentation that they meet the following criteria: has a minimum of a high school diploma, a WVBE-approved high school equivalent, or a degree, if applicable, through an accredited IHE; and the candidate's commitment agreement to complete WVDE-approved coursework.

12.6.c. Renewal of Special Education Assistant Teacher Temporary Authorization. A candidate for renewal is required to submit documentation that they meet the following criteria: completion of a minimum of one course of the required WVDE-approved coursework; and be recommended for renewal of the Special Education Assistant Teacher Temporary Authorization by the employing county superintendent.

12.7. Aide V. Special Education Assistant Teacher Permanent Authorization.

12.7.a. General Criteria. The Special Education Assistant Teacher Permanent Authorization remains valid unless surrendered, suspended, or revoked. A Special Education Assistant Teacher Permanent Authorization may be issued to a candidate that has a high school diploma, a WVBE-approved high school equivalent, or a degree, if applicable, through an accredited IHE; and has completed the required WVDE-approved coursework.

12.8. Aide VI. Behavioral Support Assistant Teacher.

12.8.a. General Criteria. A Temporary Authorization for Behavioral Support Assistant Teacher may be issued to a candidate who is currently employed as a special education assistant teacher that has a high school diploma, a WVBE-approved high school equivalent, or a degree, if applicable, through an accredited IHE. A Behavioral Support Assistant Teacher Temporary Authorization is valid for one school year and may be renewed once.

12.8.b. General Conditions for Issuance. A candidate for a Behavioral Support Assistant Teacher Temporary Authorization is required to submit documentation that they meet the following criteria: has a minimum of a high school diploma, a WVBE-approved high school equivalent, or a degree, if applicable, through an accredited IHE; and, the candidate's commitment agreement to complete WVDE-approved coursework.

12.8.c. Renewal of Behavioral Support Assistant Teacher Temporary Authorization. A candidate applying for renewal is required to submit documentation that they meet the following requirements: completion of the required WVDE-approved coursework; and be recommended for renewal of the Behavioral Support Assistant Teacher Temporary Authorization by the employing county superintendent.

12.9. Aide VI. Behavioral Support Assistant Teacher Permanent Authorization.

12.9.a. General Criteria. The Behavioral Support Assistant Teacher Permanent Authorization remain valid unless surrendered, suspended, or revoked. A Behavioral Support Assistant Teacher Permanent Authorization may be issued to a candidate that has a high school diploma, a WVBE-approved high school equivalent, or a degree, if applicable, through an accredited IHE; and, has completed six semester hours of college credit at an institution of higher; or is employed as an aide in a special education program and has a minimum of a year's experience in special education; and the required WVDE-approved coursework.

W. Va. Code R. § 126-136-12