8VAC20-542-9100. Early childhood for three- and four-year-olds (add-on endorsement). We give the VDOE kudos for adding the ECSE license to those that can add the 3-4 year old endorsement. This is especially important as many school systems are providing inclusive Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) classrooms, and having both endorsements available to candidates in ECSE programs will qualify them to teach in these classrooms. However, we do have a question/need for clarification about this add-on endorsement for ECSE initial licensure pre-service candidates. Will pre-service initial licensure candidates who take coursework for both ECSE and the 3-4 year old add-on endorsement simultaneously in their programs be able to apply for the add-on when they apply for initial licensure in ECSE, or is the requirement that they receive their ECSE license first, then apply for the add-on endorsement?

8VAC20-542-4590 Additionally we applaud the addition of details reflecting best practices to the ECSE endorsement competencies, including: (1) adding early intervention and issues of cultural and linguistic diversity to competency; (2) additional details for the assessment competency; (3) language implying inclusion in competency; (4) adding details to teaching social and emotional skills to assist with behavior management (5) understanding speech and language development: stages of acquisition, cultural and linguistic diversity, ELL and pragmatic use of language; (6) added language about emergency care and effects of medication; (7) language specific to early intervention (e.g. coaching); and (8) writing skills.

We appreciate the addition of early intervention to ECSE, specifically in competency 11. The competence reads, “Completion of supervised experiences at the preschool early childhood level in a variety of settings, including but not limited to early intervention, home-based, school-based, and community-based settings” (p. 141). Please clarify if a teacher with a provisional license in ECSE be required to complete a field experience in early intervention in addition to the content competencies to complete the requirements for the endorsement in ECSE.