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How can I qualify for the Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate (ECAC)?

Updated

The ECAC authorizes an individual to teach in a publicly-funded early learning center serving children age birth to five as defined in R.S 17:407.33. The ECAC is NOT a standard teaching certificate and does not permit teaching in a regular PreK to 3rd grade classroom.

Applicants may qualify for the ECAC through one of five (5) pathways. Supporting documents are required for each pathway to verify your eligibility. 

CDA Pathway

The CDA pathway requires three (3) supporting documents:

  1. CDA Certificate issued by the Council for Professional Recognition
    • A copy of your current, valid CDA (infant/toddler, preschool or family childcare)
    • A temporary CDA may be accepted if it is still valid when the application is processed
  2. CDA Training Program Transcript
    1. A transcript showing completion of a BESE-approved CDA training program.
    2. If the program was not BESE-approved and training began before July 1, 2018, one of the following may be provided:
      • a transcript from the training program showing the dates of training and verifying at least 36 hours completed before July 1, 2018
      • a detailed list of hours used to earn the CDA, with the name of each training course and the date completed to verify at least 36 hours completed before July 1, 2018
      • a copy of an expired CDA certificate which was issued before July 1, 2018
    3. Proof of high school completion - one of the following:
      • A copy of your high school diploma
      • A high school transcript showing graduation
      • High school equivalence documentation

Associate's Degree in an Early Childhood Field Pathway

To qualify through this pathway, an official transcript is required showing the award of an associate's degree in an early childhood related field from a college or university accredited in accordance with 34 CFR 602.

Accepted Fields Include (but are not limited to):

  • Care and Development of Young Children
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Child Development
  • The degree must be awarded on the official transcript in an early childhood related field.
  • The Certification Office does not evaluate individual courses to determine eligibility.
  • Degrees in General Studies or other areas not specific to early childhood care and education will not be accepted.

Important Notes:

  • Official transcripts should be sent to you or your employing early childhood center to be uploaded in PDF or JPG format in the application.
  • Do not send transcripts directly to the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE).
  • A copy of a diploma is not accepted in place of the official transcript. An official transcript is required.

Bachelor's Degree or Graduate Degree in Any Field Pathway

To qualify through this pathway, an official transcript is required showing the award of a bachelor’s or graduate degree in any area from a college or university accredited in accordance with 34 CFR 602.

Important Notes:

  • Official transcripts should be sent to you or your employing early childhood center to be uploaded in PDF or JPG format in the application.
  • Do not send transcripts directly to the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE).
  • A copy of a diploma is not accepted in place of the official transcript. An official transcript is required.

Technical Diploma or Certificate of Technical Study Pathway

To be eligible through this pathway, you must provide: 

Important Notes:

  • The diploma or certificate must be awarded on the official transcript.
  • Official transcripts should be sent to you or your employing early childhood center to be uploaded in PDF or JPG format in the application.
  • Do not send transcripts directly to the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE).
  • A copy of a diploma is not accepted in place of the official transcript. An official transcript is required.

Previously Approved Career Diploma Pathway

To qualify through this pathway, submit one of the following:

  • A copy of a Career Diploma previously approved by Louisiana Pathways Career Development System, awarded before July 1, 2018. Click the Pathways link provided here to view the previously approved Career Diplomas.
  • A transcript showing the completion of the career diploma before July 1, 2018.
  • If the career diploma was awarded after June 30, 2018, you must also provide a transcript or other documentation is required to show that coursework began before July 1, 2018.

Important Note: A current Louisiana Pathways Teacher Track or Administrator Track certificate is not a Career Diploma and cannot be used certification purposes. 

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