581-015-2905 Authorization of Early Childhood Specialist (1) This rule establishes an alternative to Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) licensure or endorsements for individuals to serve as Early Childhood Specialists for Programs. Individuals with TSPC issued endorsements in EI/ECSE or a related field are not covered by sections (4)-(12). (2) Responsibilities of the Early Childhood Specialist may include but are not limited to: (a) Coordination of EI/ECSE services to children and their families; (b) Assessment of children in EI/ECSE programs; (c) Development and implementation of IFSP; (d) Development and implementation of data collection systems; (e) Provision of consultation and support, as necessary, to families and staff; (f) Training of EI/ECSE assistants; (g) Compliance with procedural safeguards; and (h) Provision of specialized instruction. (3) Early Childhood Specialists must possess a minimum of a bachelor degree in early childhood education, special education or a related field. (4) Individuals without a TSPC endorsement in EI/ECSE or a related field must successfully demonstrate competency at the specialist level in the following areas, which are described in the document, “Standards for Professionals Working in EI/ECSE in Oregon”: (a) Child Development and Early Learning; (b) Partnering with Families; (c) Collaboration and Teaming; (d) Assessment Processes; (e) Application of Curriculum Frameworks in the Planning of Meaningful Learning Experience; (f) Using Responsive and Reciprocal Interactions, Interventions, and Instruction; (g) Professional and Ethical Practice. (5) Candidates for the Early Childhood Specialist authorization must complete an application and portfolio that documents their mastery level of each component within the standard areas listed in section (4) of this rule. (6) The candidate must submit the application and portfolio to the Oregon Department of Education for review. Specialist employed on or after October 1, 1998, must complete the authorization within 12 months of employment. The Office of Special Education will convene a panel at least two times per year to review the candidate's portfolio. The panel will consist of a minimum of three professionals representing the Oregon Department of Education, higher education, and EI/ECSE service providers. The panel will recommend approval or non-approval of the Early Childhood Specialist authorization for the candidate to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. (7) The Superintendent will approve or deny the candidate's application considering the recommendation of the panel: (a) Each approved candidate will receive authorization from the Department as an Early Childhood Specialist; (b) Each nonapproved candidate will receive notice from the Department. The notice will include the reasons for denial and the right of appeal to the State Board of Education. (8) If a candidate is unable to complete the authorization process within a 12-month period, the EI/ECSE contractor may request a waiver from the Oregon Department of Education for up to one year to allow for the candidate's completion of the authorization process. (9) Initial authorization is valid for a period of three years. Subsequent authorization is valid for a period of five years. (10) Applicant renewal of the Early Childhood Specialist authorization must include the following: (a) For initial renewal, a minimum of two years experience between issuance of initial authorization and renewal application; (b) For subsequent renewal, a minimum of three years experience between previous renewal and current application. (c) Written verification by the applicant's supervisor documenting: (A) Completion of a minimum of 75 Professional Development Units for initial reauthorization or a minimum of 125 Professional Development Units for subsequent reauthorization; (B) Completion of a Professional Development Plan developed with the applicant's supervisor; and (C) Development of a new Professional Development Plan developed with the applicant's supervisor. (11) The Department will deny or revoke authorization of an Early Childhood Specialist under any of the following conditions: (a) The individual has been convicted of any of the crimes listed in ORS 342.143, or the substantial equivalent of any of those crimes if the conviction occurred in another jurisdiction or in Oregon under a different statutory name or number; or (b) The individual has made a false statement as to the conviction of a crime. (12) The Department may deny or revoke authorization for an Early Childhood Specialist if the individual is charged with a breach of professional responsibilities, which is verified by his/her immediate supervisor. (13) Individual whose authorization has been revoked will receive notice from the Department. The notice will include the reasons for denial and the right of appeal to the State Board of Education. (14) All specialists employed by EI/ECSE contractors or subcontractors must have a professional development plan based on the content of the EI/ECSE standards as listed in section (4) of this rule. (15) A temporary waiver may be requested by the EI/ECSE contractor when an emergency arises due to a misassignment or unsuccessful recruitment efforts. The request for the waiver must be submitted to the Oregon Department of Education and must include: (a) Documentation of efforts to employ personnel who meet the required standards; (b) The name, position, and qualifications of the employed personnel; (c) A copy of the professional development plan as described in section (13) of this rule; and (d) Assurances that the plan will be implemented. Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 343.055 & 343.475 Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 343.055 & 343.475 History: ODE 21-2023, amend filed 10/23/2023, effective 10/24/2023 Renumbered from 581-015-1105, ODE 10-2007, f. & cert. ef. 4-25-07 ODE 8-2003, f. 6-9-03, cert. ef. 6-10-03 ODE 24-2000, f. & cert. ef. 10-16-00 EB 15-1997, f. & cert. ef. 12-29-97