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OPTION 1:

Complete six semester hours of college coursework to satisfy requirements for two of the following areas: (a), (b), or (c) of the Prekindergarten Disabilities Endorsement subject area requirements. Details regarding the Prekindergarten Disabilities Endorsement subject area requirements are found at the Florida Department of Education web site.

Note that two years of full-time instructional experience in working with ESE students at the prek level can be used to satisfy the remaining requirements after the six semester hours noted above have been completed. Note that requirement (a) consists of a total of six hours and so a year of experience may be used in lieu of three or all six hours depending on the courses completed. To document the experience your principal must complete and submit the Verification of Teaching Experience form. The form must document your experience in working with ESE students at the prek level specifically. NOTE: The verification form must be submitted to the Talent Acquisition & Operations (Instructional) Department, Attn: Certification. DO NOT send the form to the Florida Department of Education as indicated on the form.

OPTION 2:

If you have a certificate in ESE and can document at least two years of full-time teaching experience with ESE students at the prek level between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2011 then you may use the experience to be considered as infield for the assignment. You must also have satisfactory evaluations during the period the experience was gained. Note that while using experience during the time period noted will make you infield, it will not enable you to add the Prekindergraten Disabilities Endorsement to your certificate. To do so, you will need to complete the course requirements as outlined above in option one.

If you can meet the experience requirement noted in this option, please have your principal submit an original letter, on school letterhead, indicating the period in which you gained the experience.  The letter must include a statement that you worked with ESE students at the prek level and that you had satisfactory evaluations during the period.  The letter must be signed and dated by your principal and submitted to the Talent Acquisition & Operations (Instructional) Department; attn: Certification

OPTION 3:

Pass the Prek/Primary or Preschool Education subject area exam and add the subject to your certificate.  Note that if you hold a professional certificate you must pass the Prek/Primary or Preschool Education exam to meet requirements to add the subject to your certificate.  Exam information and registration is obtained at the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) web site.