Authorization for Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education Specialists

Background
Oregon Administrative Rule 581-15-1100 states, "Early intervention and early childhood special education specialists shall possess a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in early childhood, special education or a related field. Specialists shall meet the requirements of the competency process established by the Department by October 1, 1998 or within 12 months of employment thereafter."

Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education Specialist Defined
Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education Specialist is defined in OAR 581-015-0900 as: "Professionals who implement or coordinate the implementation of individualized family service plans."

Roles of the Early Childhood Specialists
The specific roles of the Early Childhood Specialist are also delineated in OAR 581-015-1105. The OAR states that: "Responsibilities of the Early Childhood Specialist may include but are not limited to:

• Coordination of EI/ECSE services to children and their families;
• Assessment of children in EI/ECSE programs;
• Development and implementation of Individualized Family Service Plans;
• Development and implementation of data collection systems;
• Provision of consultation and support, as necessary, to families and staff;
• Training of instructional assistants; and
• Compliance with procedural safeguards.
• Provision of specialized instruction."

The Early Childhood Specialist Authorization
Early Childhood Specialists performing roles consistent with the aforementioned OARs and who do not have Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) issued endorsements in EI/ECSE or a related field are required to hold the Early Childhood Specialist Authorization.

Content of the Early Childhood Specialist Authorization
The content of the Early Childhood Specialist Authorization consists of 57 competencies in eight Competency Areas. The areas are:

1. Typical/Atypical Child Development
2. Assessment
3. Family
4. Service Delivery
5. Program Management
6. Service Coordination
7. Research
8. Professional Development Values/Ethics.

To be recommended for approval, candidates must meet the established criterion in a minimum of six of the eight competency areas.

Process for Obtaining the Early Childhood Specialist Initial Authorization
The process for obtaining the Early Childhood Specialist Authorization consists of the following steps:

1. The candidate obtains a copy of the Specialist portfolio of the Competencies for Professionals Working in EI/ECSE in Oregon.
2. The candidate reviews the application and portfolio material.
3. candidate meets with his/her supervisor to discuss technical assistance available as well as possible documentation for listed competencies to be included in the candidate's portfolio.
4. The candidate reviews the examples provided on the website.
5. The candidate gathers documentation for the competencies based on the Level of Mastery Key and the Documentation requested for each competency.
6. The candidate completes the portfolio.
7. The candidate submits the completed application and portfolio to Teaching Research for review by the Authorization Review Panel.
8. The Review Panel will recommend approval or disapproval of each candidate's application for initial Authorization to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
9. The State Superintendent of Public Instruction, in consideration of the recommendations of the Review Panel, will approve or deny the candidate's application for initial Authorization.

Who Must Apply for the Early Childhood Specialist Authorization?
As previously stated, and as required by OAR, all EI/ECSE Specialists employed after October 1, 1998 and who do not have a TSPC issued endorsement in EI/ECSE or a related field must be authorized.

Reauthorization

At this time the Reauthorization process and requirements are being revised.
Please do not submit any materials.
For more information, contact Holly Reed Schindler at the Oregon Department of Education.