Preparing and Certifying Teachers
Early childhood teachers have different expectations and requirements for teacher preparation and certification based on the setting they work in. Information on the requirements for lead teachers within each early childhood setting can be found below.
CHILD CARE TEACHERS
Lead teachers working in Type III licensed child care centers will be required to have the Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate as a minimum credential beginning July 2019. Lead teachers in Type III child care centers will be required to have the certificate within 24 months of their start date as a lead teacher.
Teachers working in Type III centers can earn the Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate through several qualifying credentials.
Applying for the Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate
Initial applications and renewal applications for the Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate can be found on
Teach Louisiana and should be submitted through
Teach LA Live. Questions about the Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate should also be submitted through
Teach LA Live.
Attending BESE-Approved Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate Programs
Beginning in July 2018, child care teachers that are earning their Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate through a CDA or technical diploma should attend an approved child care teacher preparation program.
PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS
Lead teachers that are working in public school pre-K programs are required to meet the certification requirements for their specific school and program. Information about traditional and non-traditional pathways for teacher certification can be found on
Teach Louisiana.
TEACHER PREPARATION – EARLY CHILDHOOD ANCILLARY CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
In order to earn the Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate through a CDA or technical diploma, teachers must attend a BESE-approved Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate Program. BESE-approved ECAC Programs can be found in the Professional Learning Partner Guide.
These programs have been carefully reviewed by the Louisiana Department of Education for high- quality coherent coursework that includes extensive applied practice and support for enrolled candidates.
The Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate is the first credential in the Birth to Kindergarten Pathway.