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(a)
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(1) A person teaching in a public early childhood education program may obtain a birth through prekindergarten teaching credential from the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education of the Department of Human Services.
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(2) Subdivision (a)(1) of this section shall not be construed to permit a person teaching in a public early childhood education program to utilize the teaching credential in lieu of a P-4 teaching license issued by the State Board of Education when the license is required.
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(b) As used in this subchapter, “public early childhood education program” means an education program that:
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(1) All or part of which is funded with state or federal funds; and
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(2) Serves children whose ages may range from birth through prekindergarten.
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(c)
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(1) The division shall develop the teaching credential under this subchapter not later than January 31, 2010.
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(2) The teaching credential is valid for five (5) years and may be renewed upon completion of the requirements set forth in law and established by the division.
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(3) An applicant for an initial teaching credential or a renewal teaching credential is not required to pay a fee for submitting the application or obtaining the teaching credential.
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(d) Institutions of higher education in this state may submit to the Department of Education proposals for the creation of a birth through prekindergarten endorsement for P-4 teacher licensure.
