Early Childhood (Pre-Kindergarten)

Initial Certification

To get certified to teach early childhood education in the state of Florida, all teachers must go through the same process of two levels of certification: the temporary certificate and the professional certificate. The temporary certification is non renewable, and allows for teachers to teach while working toward the renewable professional certificate. Preschool teachers have requirements specific to their field when getting the initial temporary certificate.

Temporary Certification Process (valid for three years)

1. Complete all application process requirements.
2. Hold at least a Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, childhood development, or something similar.
3. Demonstrate mastery of Subject Area Knowledge. For preschool, this involves taking general tests to show proficiency in a broad range of subjects.

Professional Certification Process (renewable after five years)

In addition to the requirements for temporary certification the following is required for a professional certificate:

1. Demonstrate mastery of General Knowledge by any one of the following:
   1. Achievement of a passing score on the Florida General Knowledge Test.
   2. Achievement of a passing score on the Florida College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) earned prior to July 1, 2002.
   3. A valid standard teaching certificate issued by a US state or territory.
   4. A valid certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence.
   5. Completion of two (2) semesters of full-time college teaching experience.
2. Demonstrate mastery of Professional Preparation and Education Competence by any one of the following:
   1. Completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program from a Florida institution and achievement of a passing score on the Florida Professional Education Test.
   2. Completion of a teacher preparation program from an out-of-state accredited or approved institution and achievement of a passing score on the Florida Professional Education Test.
   3. Completion of a Florida state-approved alternative certification program and achievement of a passing score on the Florida Professional Education Test.
   4. Completion of an approved Florida Educator Preparation Institute program and achievement of a passing score on the Florida Professional Education Test.
   5. Completion of specified education courses, completion of teaching experience requirement, completion of an approved professional education competence demonstration program, and achievement of a passing score on the Florida Professional Education Test.

The Florida Professional Certificate is issued after the individual's fingerprints have been cleared. The individual seeking employment in Florida will be assisted in completing the fingerprint process by his/her employer. The individual who is not seeking employment in Florida, or has an immediate need for issuance of the Professional Certificate can contact the Bureau of Educator Certification for assistance.