How do you get certified to teach early childhood special ed in AZ?

Question

I see that there is an AEPA test for it but I haven't found any endoresement programs.

Thanks!

Answer 1

You'll need a masters in Special Education.  Every Early intervention teacher I worked with had their masters except one woman in a rural school district.  She was actively working on it.

This isn't like CDA or other experiential based programs.  You have to do the coursework.

I know there's a program at the University of Arizona in Tucson.  Two teachers I worked with graduated from that program.

I hope the long road doesn't dissuade you. Our kids need you.  Good luck.

You wouldn't by any chance have an interest in speech pathology?  Bilingual Preschool Speech Therapists are desperately needed and make good money.

Answer 2

I graduated from UoP online and all I knew about was the AEPA; however, you cannot become certified through an endorsement.  You must go through an approved teacher certification program.  An endorsement is something you add-on to your teaching certificate. For example...a person wanting to be an assistant principal will have to obtain a Leadership endorsement through a local university that offers endorsements.

My advice is to apply to one of Arizona's approved educator programs at a college/university, then go from there with passing the AEPA and student teaching at the end of the program.

Hope this information helps!