10A NCAC 09 .2903. STAFF QUALIFICATIONS

(a)  Each center serving children ages birth to three years shall have a minimum of one staff who holds an Infant Toddler Family Specialist certification issued from the North Carolina Division of Public Health; Birth-through-Kindergarten (B-K) Standard Professional I licensure; or provisional licensure in B-K issued from the Department of Public Instruction. This staff shall provide program oversight and supervision for any caregivers in classrooms with children ages birth to three years.

(b)  In accordance with G.S. 115C-84.2(a)(1), during the 185 day school year (as defined by the State Board of Education), each child aged three years old and older on or before the initial school entry date specified in G.S. 115C-364 (school entry date) shall be served in a classroom with at least one lead teacher who holds a B-K Standard Professional I licensure or provisional licensure in B-K, or Preschool Add-on licensure issued from the Department of Public Instruction.

(c)  Children who turn three years old after the school entry date who are identified as a child with a disability as evidenced by an Individualized Education Program (IEP), shall be served in a classroom with a B-K licensed teacher.

(d)  During the time when school is not in session, each group of preschool children shall have at least one lead teacher with a minimum of an A.A.S. degree in early childhood education or child development, or an A.A.S. degree in any major with 12 semester hours in early childhood education or child development.

(e)  During the 10 month school year, (as defined by the State Board of Education), each group of school-age children shall have at least one teacher who holds State certification as a Special Education Teacher.  During the time when school is not in session, each group of school-age children shall have at least one teacher who has completed at least two semester hours of school-age care related coursework and has completed or is enrolled in at least two additional semester hours of school-age related coursework.

(f)  Center administrators shall have a Level III North Carolina Early Childhood Administration Credential and two years of verifiable work experience with children with developmental delays or disabilities.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 110-85; 110-88(14);

Eff. July 1, 2010;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2014.