1. Early Childhood Ed cert talk Nov 2, 2010, 5 p.m. 302 Architecture

2. – COTE introduction Oversee all things related to certification – Past – Things like CBC and Bloodborne Pathogen training Here tonight to talk about process of actually getting certified. Obtain certification as soon as you can!!!!- regardless of other plans (grad school, peace corp, etc). – Only protected against program changes for 1 year – Not protected at all against ISBE changes – Other state certification will likely hinge on Illinois certification first

3. Applying for certification – Non citizens? Provide packet- (Instructions, ISBE Form 73-03C, Request for Endorsement form). – Read instructions on orange sheet carefully – Retain instructions for referral later. Citizens Instructions and forms also found in Student portal under “Certification Application Instructions” – Read purple cover sheet Explains basic process from A – Z Keep as reference form for later.

4. Entitlement Request form

5. – Items requiring particular attention: Name – Must use name that appears on BANNER – Name change? Change in BANNER then contact us! Address – Where you will be during your last semester Email address. Important! – Print legibly. – Your preference of email accounts – May use Illinois account – Check regularly. Keep cleaned out.

6. Request for endorsement form (handout) – Will all be endorsed in Early Childhood Education (Pre K –grade 3) (self contained) Automatically will receive Early Childhood Special Education Approval (Pre K) – If you want to teach Special Education K-3, will need to meet requirements for Learning Behavior Specialist I endorsement (6 additional courses) Only a very limited number of additional endorsements (fewer still which are available to undergrads) The most common additional endorsement is foreign language (18 hours).

7. Make copy of Entitlement Request form Turn in form as early as December (for May grads) (or May for August Grads) Can turn in application even if you haven’t yet passed all tests. After turning in app, go to www.isbe.net/ecs (step 2 on purple form). Create ECS account.www.isbe.net/ecs – Stop! Go no further until we contact you. I will complete an audit based on DARS report or grad audit completed earlier. – Problems? Will either contact you or records officer. If contacted, it’s important so respond.

8. Nothing missing? Will put application in pending file until end of Spring or summer term Endorsements? Will send Endorsement letter to address you put on form. Contact us if something is inaccurate or missing. End of final semester processing. – EFE hours (at least 80). (should check Student portal for accuracy) – Student teaching Time Report Be accurate and fairly specific. Only record we will have of your Student teaching (directions on student portal).

9. – Departmental Recommendation Should come automatically from Jack Hehn if you meet all responsibilities – Tests – Early Childhood Education (107) – Assessment of Professional Teaching: Birth to Grade 3 (101) – Grades – Degree Recommending you to ISBE – Should occur sometime around Middle of June – Early releases. Obtain letter from school specifying need, then contact us. Citizens – We will contact you by email at address you provided Go on www.isbe.net/ecs and “claim “ certificate (Step 4 on purple sheet)www.isbe.net/ecs

10. Be sure to register certificate with a ROE Paper copy of certificate will arrive in mail Any school district with your SSN can verify certification Non Citizens – Will sign and stamp form Mail it back to you along with Notice of Intent to become a U.S. citizen. – Bring application, Immigration forms, Notice of Intent and fee to Regional Office of Education and apply there. TESTING – Two required tests: Early Childhood Education (107) Assessment of Professional Teaching: B-3 (101) “Highly Qualified” in foreign language or certain other endorsements (most do not require test!)

11. Test dates (May Grads) February 12, 2011 (Recommended) – Allows Fall back – Provides context for answering questions for APT. – May take content test and APT on same day for convenience and save $ (Only APT is offered on Jan 8 th date). Be sure you send test scores to Illinois Be sure your SSN is accurate (errors may delay certification). Can check your tests on Student portal. Keep test scores forever (or longer) Odds and Ends (important trivia) – Initial Type 04 certificate Good for 4 fiscal years. Must renew every 4 years until you receive standard-then it’s 5 years If you don’t need certificate, May choose to hold off until July 1 st to claim. But don’t forget!!!!

12. Other states – Likely will require certification in Illinois first – May begin contacting other states now. – Other states may have program verification form. Send form to us to fill out. May include when you turn in application or may turn in later. – Contact information is on our website under “Resources” in www.cote.illinois.eduwww.cote.illinois.edu

13. Summary – Location: 505 E. Green Street, Suite 202 Upstairs from PNC Bank and Coldstone Creamery Contact information on purple (or orange) instruction form, endorsement request form, and student portal Email (jbuck@illinois.edu or bmclvngr@illinois.edujbuck@illinois.edubmclvngr@illinois.edu – Include UIN – Urgent matters? Don’t use email. – No appointments by email. Call office.

14. COTE website Resources and links – Certification timeline – Required tests – Educator Certification System (ECS) – Illinois Certification Testing System (ICTS) – Take Us To School – U.S. Teacher Certification Offices – Illinois Education Job Bank Student Portal