8VAC20-543-100. Early childhood for three-year-olds and four-year-olds (add-on endorsement).

The program in early childhood education for three-year-olds and four-year-olds shall ensure that the candidate holds an active license with an endorsement in elementary education (such as preK-3 or preK-6) or special education early childhood issued by the Virginia Board of Education

Candidates who hold an active license in special education general curriculum K-12 should also be eligible for the add-on endorsement.  Special education preparation is related to many early childhood competencies.  Upon completion of the additional 9 hours of graduate coursework in early childhood that is requirement for the endorsement, all competencies would be met for candidates who hold the special education general curriculum endorsement.

Practicum experience should be required for the early childhood add-on endorsement.  Compare to 45 hours required in the corresponding licensure regulations: 8VAC20-23-140. Early childhood for three-year-olds and four-year-olds (add-on endorsement). 3. Completed a supervised practicum of at least 45 instructional hours in a preschool setting (i.e., three-year-olds and four-year-olds

Also compare to 45 hours required in approved programs for gifted add-on: 8VAC20-543-320. Gifted education (add-on endorsement). 9. The program shall include a practicum that shall include a minimum of 45 instructional hours of successful teaching experiences with gifted students.