Effective Date: July 13, 1996 Date Revised: July 1, 2014 Title: CT Birth to Three System PERSONNEL STANDARDS Purpose: Defines the suitable qualifications and supervision required for personnel providing early intervention services based on entry level and credentialing requirements. Overview A quality program begins with employing or contracting with personnel who meet the highest entrylevel requirements for their discipline. Those requirements are listed on the CT Birth to Three System Personnel Standards grid in this procedure. The grid includes all of the professions listed as Qualified Personnel in the Federal Part C Regulations. Most employees are required to hold a valid Connecticut licensure or certification in order to conduct the activities of their profession. Programs must verify the credentials indicated for personnel employed or contracted. The program must maintain copies of current certifications and licenses and make them available for review upon request by the Birth to Three System. It is recommended that programs prioritize hiring people in all disciplines who have a demonstrated knowledge through coursework and preferably through work experience, with very young children. Use of Students Completing Internships/Practicums Students who are completing coursework for any related discipline may complete their internships or practicums in the Birth to Three System in either paid or unpaid positions for up to 6 months. They may not go out on visits alone. Standards for Teachers (Developmental Therapists) A teacher must possess a valid initial, provisional or professional teaching certificate from the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) in endorsements #112, #113 or #065. If certification is lapsed, the individual cannot be employed as a teacher. All Teachers with initial educator certificates who work for a school district, Regional Education Service Center (RESC), or approved private school, must successfully complete the Connecticut Department of Education’s program for beginning educators, if there is a program for their endorsement area. Teachers who are employed by private Birth to Three programs are not eligible to participate in this program. Teachers who complete 30 school months of successful Birth to Three teaching experience for an approved Birth to Three program will be eligible for the provisional educator certificate (See C.G.S. § 10-145d (g). However, as of July 2012, teachers wishing to go from a provisional license to a professional license must have three years experience in a public school, this includes Birth to Three programs operated by RESCs. Teachers working in Birth to Three programs may renew their provisional license each year indefinitely. In accordance with Public Act 12-116, An Act Concerning Educational Reform, all certified and employed educators employed by a local or regional board of education or other public entity are required to participate in and document a minimum of 18 hours of professional learning per year. Personnel Standards page 2 To Renew Teacher Certification and Change Status All certified teachers must document a minimum of 18 hours of professional learning per year. When renewing their certification the Connecticut State Department of Education may choose to audit the teacher’s application and the documentation will be requested. As of July 1, 2012, Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are no longer granted and each teacher must keep track of trainings attended. When the teacher is renewing their certification they should follow the appropriate steps. Teachers in RESCs, public schools and private special education facilities must submit form ED 179 and ED 126 completed and signed by their employer. These forms can be obtained at http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/Cert/certform/ed_126.pdf. Certified teachers with a provisional license that are employed by private Birth to Three programs may apply to renew by submitting form ED 179. This form can be found at http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/Cert/certform/ed_179.pdf. If a certified teacher has not been working under their certificate during the renewal period, but wishes to renew they may do so without an employer’s signature by checking the box that states “I have not served under my current Professional Educator Certificate for a Board of Education” on the SDE Form 179. Unless a portion of the renewal period was served in Early Connections Birth to Three does not need to sign any forms for SDE. Certification Currently Held Initial Provisional Teacher Working in Birth to Three Employer is an LEA, RESC or Employer is not an LEA, RESC or Approved Private Special Ed. Approved Private Special Ed. Facility Facility To go from Initial to Provisional teachers in Birth to Three must complete 30 school months of work in a birth to three program To renew: submit Forms ED 126 and ED 179. They can be found at www.sde.ct.gov. To go from Initial to Provisional teachers in Birth to Three must complete 30 school months of work in a Birth to Three program To go from Provisional to Professional the candidate must have three years of work in a public school or RESC. Provisional may be renewed each year indefinitely. To go from Provisional to Professional the candidate must have three years of work in a public school or RESC. To renew submit form ED 179 www.sde.ct.gov Please note: Teachers with an Initial or Provisional certification hired by Birth to Three programs that are not operated by an LEA, RESC or Approved Special Education facility ARE NOT able to meet the requirements for the Professional certification. Professional To renew submit forms ED 126 and ED 179. www.sde.ct.gov To renew submit forms ED 126 and ED 179. www.sde.ct.gov Personnel Standards page 3 To document professional learning Birth to Three will supply participants who complete the requirements of training a certificate of completion that indicates the number of contact hours completed. Certificates of attendance may be used to prove attendance or to request non-SDE CEU equivalents (e.g. ASHA) as needed. Temporary 90-Day Certificates Teachers who are finishing an Alternate Route to Certification (ARC) must work as fully certified teachers in Birth to Three during the 90 days. The 90 days includes school days only. When a Birth to Three provider completes an ARC at Charter Oak State College they must submit form SDE 172 (www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/Cert/certform/ed_172.pdf) to SDE to request a Temporary 90-Day Certificate. The form must be signed by the Director of the Connecticut Birth to Three System. The applicant must complete the following steps: 1. submit an original completed form, 2. complete the employment information section, 3. ensure that their employer sends verification of employment to Birth to Three. The form should be mailed to PPO Birth to Three Central Office. Verification of employment should be sent directly to Birth to Three from the program either by mail or by email to deb.resnick@ct.gov. All forms, with original signatures, will be returned to the applicant to be submitted to SDE. Standards for Licensed Personnel All speech pathologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, certified occupational therapy assistants (COTAs), nurses, audiologists and psychologists, employed or contracted with by a Birth to Three program, must be licensed by the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH). Renewal of licensure must be monitored annually by each program. Early Intervention Specialist This position is considered a Birth to Three professional delivering special instruction under IDEA. They may: Perform evaluations and assessments. Be listed as a professional on the IFSP without having another professional listed for supervisory purposes. Not require sign off on contact notes. Be reimbursed at professional rate on requests for supplemental funding. (See Payment Procedure) For more information on EIS see the EIS Guidance on the Birth to Three website Personnel Standards page 4 CT Birth to Three System Infant Toddler Family Specialist Credential (Voluntary) The Infant Toddler Family Specialist (ITFS) credential was developed to assure the quality of personnel providing supports and services to families. The practice of early intervention requires very specific knowledge and skills that change and develop over time and are not adequately presented in most pre-service training programs. Anyone who provides direct services to children and families in their home or community may obtain an Infant Toddler Family Specialist credential with the proper endorsement for their role For more information http://www.birth23.org/providers/cert/ Guidelines for the Use of Paraprofessionals Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs), Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) and Board Certified Associate Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs) These positions have the following restrictions: They must receive at least one hour per month of direct supervision by professionally licensed or certified early intervention personnel. Direct supervision should be documented with, at a minimum a log of supervision occurences. They must attend at least one team meeting per month. They may function independently, providing direct services to children and families in home, or community-based settings, however all progress notes must be countersigned by their supervisor. They cannot be the only service provider listed on the IFSP. They may not conduct initial evaluations or ongoing assessments; however they may provide information that contributes to those evaluations or assessments For more information please see the chart below. Early Intervention Assistants Staff members who are in the personnel category of EI Assistant as of July 1, 2013 may continue to function in that role. After July 1, 2013 the category of EI Assistant will no longer be available. Early Intervention Associates (EIAs) Education, experience, and supervisory requirements for EIAs are listed in the following table. EIAs are valued team members and work successfully to support and extend the role of early intervention professionals. However, it is expected that the number of staff in these job categories will not exceed 25% of the Birth to Three program’s total direct full time equivalent (FTE) early intervention staff. This 25% rule does not apply to the autism-specific programs. No child may receive direct services ONLY from an EI Associate. A licensed or certified professional supervising the EI Associate must also be listed on the child’s IFSP as seeing the child at least quarterly. Connecticut Birth to Three System Personnel Standards To identify the requirements for practice, including licensure or certification, in each service area approved by the Connecticut Birth to Three System and to establish the supervisory requirements and job responsibilities for each area. Personnel Entry Degree Licensure/Certification Additional Supervision Required Job Responsibilities Can Act as Category Service Coordinator? Assistive Associates or RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering Completes assistive technology evaluations and Yes, after Technology Bachelor’s degree with Society of North America) Certification assists the IFSP team to analyze needs of child successful Provider AT coursework and as: ATP Assistive Technology with disabilities; assist in selection or service of completion of experience Practitioner or assistive technology devices and may provide service ATS Assistive Technology Supplier or training in the use of the selected device(s). coordination RET Rehabilitation Engineering training. (Audiologists, Physical Therapists, Occupational Technologist. Therapists, Speech Pathologists and Teachers may also posses the skills to perform these functions.) Audiologist Masters or AuD Audiologist CFY Licensed by the Department of Public Health Under §2-411 C.G.S. Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) Status Permissive. Must be supervised by a licensed audiologist as required under § 20-411 C.G.S. At least one hour per month of supervision and at least one team meeting per month. Conducts evaluations and assessments, participates in IFSP developments and implementation, monitors outcomes as part of a transdisciplinary team, and provides direct and/or consultative services to children and families. Conducts evaluations and assessments, participates in IFSP developments and implementation, monitors outcomes as part of a transdisciplinary team, and provides direct and/or consultative services to children and families. Yes, after successful completion of service coordination training. Yes, after successful completion of service coordination training. Conducts evaluations and assessments, participates in IFSP developments and implementation, monitors outcomes as part of a transdisciplinary team, and provides direct and/or consultative services to children and families. Yes, after successful completion of service coordination training. All notes must be countersigned by a licensed audiologist. Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst (BCA) MA or Doctorate in behavior analysis or in psychology, spec. education or another human service discipline with an emphasis in behavior analysis BA in behavior analysis or in psychology, spec education or another human service discipline with an emphasis in behavior analysis Certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. or the states of Pennsylvania or Florida. Certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. or the states of Pennsylvania or Florida. Periodic consultation from Board Certified Behavior Analyst or licensed Psychologist. At least one hour per month of supervision and at least one team meeting per month. All progress notes must be countersigned by a supervisor who is a certified Behavior Analyst or licensed Psychologist. . Participates in IFSP development and implementation, monitors outcomes as part of a transdisciplinary team, and provides direct and/or consultative services to children and families. Yes, after successful completion of service coordination training. Under supervision by licensed/certified personnel, may function independently. Does not perform initial evaluations or assessments but provides data and input. Personnel Standards page 5 Connecticut Birth to Three System Personnel Standards To identify the requirements for practice, including licensure or certification, in each service area approved by the Connecticut Birth to Three System and to establish the supervisory requirements and job responsibilities for each area. Personnel Entry Degree Licensure/Certification Additional Supervision Required Job Responsibilities Can Act as Category Service Coordinator? Early High School Diploma Documentation of training specific to At least one hour per week of Provides direct services to children and families No. Intervention or GED child, the child’s disability or delays and supervision and at least one team by performing routine tasks assigned by Assistant the specific techniques being used with meeting per month.. professionally licensed or certified personnel. (Attendance the child. Code EIS) All progress notes must be Takes no independent action. Carries out written countersigned by a supervisor who is programs and service plans designed by This licensed or certified. licensed or certified personnel. category is Does not perform initial evaluations or ongoing not available assessments but provides data and input. after 7/1/13 Early BA degree in a At least one hour per month of Participates in IFSP development and Yes, after Intervention human service field supervision and at least one team implementation, monitors outcomes as part of a successful Associate meeting per month transdisciplinary team, and provides direct completion of (Attendance and/or consultative services to children and service Code EIA) All progress notes countersigned by a families. coordination supervisor who is licensed or certified training. Under regular supervision by professionally licensed or certified personnel, may function independently. Does not perform initial evaluations or ongoing assessments but provides data and input Early Intervention Specialist (Attendance Code ESP) BA or MA in education, special education, psychology (MA), early intervention, child and family studies, or closely related field. Must have taken college level courses in infant/toddler, one course on evaluation and assessment and one course on either working with families or early language and literacy, have 300 hours of experience working with infants /toddlers and complete the other requirements of the credential process. Infant, Toddler, Family Specialist Credential from the Connecticut Birth to Three System with endorsement # 123. Services may be billed to health insurance if the individual possesses a BA and an Infant Toddler Family Specialist credential. Conducts evaluations and assessments, participates in IFSP development and implementation, monitors outcomes as part of a transdisciplinary team, provides direct and/or consultative services to children and families, supervises EI assistants or associates as appropriate Provides special instruction. Yes, after successful completion of service coordination training. Cannot be paired with a teacher for a multidisciplinary evaluation. Personnel Standards page 6 Connecticut Birth to Three System Personnel Standards To identify the requirements for practice, including licensure or certification, in each service area approved by the Connecticut Birth to Three System and to establish the supervisory requirements and job responsibilities for each area. Personnel Entry Degree Licensure/Certification Additional Supervision Required Job Responsibilities Can Act as Category Service Coordinator? Marital and Masters Degree in Department of Public Health license Conducts evaluations and assessments, Yes, after Family Marital and Family under §20-195c C.G.S. participates in IFSP development and successful Therapist Therapy implementation, monitors outcomes as part of a completion of transdisciplinary team, and provides direct service and/or consultative services to children and coordination families. training. Marital and Masters Degree in Working toward Department of Public All progress notes, evaluations and Conducts evaluations and assessments, Yes, after Family Marital and Family Health license under professional assessments must be countersigned participates in IFSP development and successful Therapist Therapy supervision. by a supervisor who is licensed. implementation, monitors outcomes as part of a completion of Intern transdisciplinary team, and provides direct service Valid up to two years from date of hire and/or consultative services to children and coordination into the Birth to Three System families. training. Nurse a. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) b. R.N. Nurse, Practical (LPN) a. Masters (MSN) a. Licensed by the Department of Public Health under §20-94a C.G.S. b. Bachelors (BSN) or Associates Degree or Diploma Diploma/Certificate b. Licensed by the Department of Public Health under § 20-87 to 102 C.G.S. Licensed by the Department of Public Health under § 20-87 to 102 C.G.S. Supervision conducted by a registered nurse. Conducts evaluations and assessments, participates in IFSP development and implementation, monitors outcomes as part of a transdisciplinary team, and provides direct and/or consultative services to children and families. Yes, after successful completion of service coordination training. Under the supervision of the BSN/MSN assists in the provision of nursing intervention services No. Provides direct services to children and families by performing routine tasks assigned by professionally licensed or certified personnel. Takes no independent action. Carries out written programs and service plans designed by licensed or certified personnel. Does not perform initial evaluations, ongoing assessments or service coordination duties but provides data and input. Personnel Standards page 7 Connecticut Birth to Three System Personnel Standards To identify the requirements for practice, including licensure or certification, in each service area approved by the Connecticut Birth to Three System and to establish the supervisory requirements and job responsibilities for each area. Personnel Entry Degree Licensure/Certification Additional Supervision Required Job Responsibilities Can Act as Category Service Coordinator? DieticianRegistered Dietician Registered with the Commission of Conducts nutrition evaluations and Yes, after Nutritionist MA or PhD. Dietetic Registration or certified by the assessments, participates in IFSP successful Department of Public Health under §20development and implementation, monitors completion of 206n outcomes as part of a transdisciplinary team, service and provides direct and/or consultative coordination services to children and families. training. Occupational Therapist Bachelors or Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, depending on year of graduation Licensed by the Department of Public Health under § 20-74b C.G.S. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) Associate Degree from accredited AOTA program Department of Public Health license under § 20-74b C.G.S. Supervised by a licensed occupational therapist. At least one hour per month of supervision and at least one team meeting per month. All progress notes must be countersigned by a supervisor who is a licensed OT. Optometrist Doctor of Optometry Licensed by the Department of Public Health under § 20-130 C.G.S. The Birth to Three Infant Toddler Family Specialist Credential with endorsement 120 or 123 is required before these personnel may conduct developmental evaluations or on-going assessments. Conducts evaluations and assessments, participates in IFSP development and implementation, monitors outcomes as part of a transdisciplinary team, and provides direct and/or consultative services to children and families. Participates in IFSP development and implementation, monitors outcomes as part of a transdisciplinary team, and provides direct and/or consultative services to children and families. Yes, after successful completion of service coordination training. Yes, after successful completion of service coordination training. Under regular supervision by professionally licensed or certified personnel, may function independently. Does not perform initial evaluations or ongoing assessments but provides data and input Conducts vision evaluations and assessments, participates in IFSP development and implementation, monitors outcomes as part of a transdisciplinary team, and provides direct and/or consultative services to children and families. The Birth t o Three Credential with endorsement 120 or 123 is required before these personnel may conduct developmental evaluations or on-going assessments. Personnel Standards page 8 Connecticut Birth to Three System Personnel Standards To identify the requirements for practice, including licensure or certification, in each service area approved by the Connecticut Birth to Three System and to establish the supervisory requirements and job responsibilities for each area. Personnel Entry Degree Licensure/Certification Additional Supervision Required Job Responsibilities Can Act as Category Service Coordinator? Orientation & Bachelors Degree Department of Education Certificate Conducts evaluations and assessments, Yes, after Mobility with endorsement #059 participates in IFSP development and successful Specialist implementation, monitors outcomes as part of completion of a transdisciplinary team, and provides direct service and/or consultative services to children and coordination families. training. Physical Doctorate, Masters Licensed by the Department of Public Conducts evaluations and assessments, Yes, after Therapist or Bachelors Health under § 20 -70 C.G.S. participates in IFSP development and successful depending on year implementation, monitors outcomes as part of completion of of graduation a transdisciplinary team, and provides direct service and/or consultative services to children and coordination families. training. Physical Associate degree Graduation from an accredited PTA Supervised by a licensed physical Under direct or indirect supervision of the PT, Yes, after Therapy from an approved program therapist. assists in providing intervention. successful Assistant PTA program completion of Licensed by the Department of Public At least one hour per month of service Health under § 20-73(b) C.G.S. supervision and at least one team coordination meeting per month. training. All progress notes must be countersigned by a supervisor who is a licensed PT. Physician (Pediatrician or other Physician) Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (OD) Licensed by the Department of Public Health under § 20-10 (MD) or § 20-17 (OD) C.G.S. Professional Counselor Licensed Doctorate, Masters Licensed by the Department of Public Health under § 20-195(b) C.G.S. Psychologist Licensed Doctorate Licensed by the Department of Public Health under §187a C.G.S. Conducts evaluations and assessments, participates in IFSP development and implementation, monitors outcomes as part of a transdisciplinary team, and provides direct and/or consultative services to children and families. Conducts evaluations and assessments, participates in IFSP development and implementation, monitors outcomes as part of a transdisciplinary team, and provides direct and/or consultative services to children and families. Conducts evaluations and assessments, participates in IFSP development and implementation, monitors outcomes as part of a transdisciplinary team, and provides direct and/or consultative services to children and families. Yes, after successful completion of service coordination training. Yes, after successful completion of service coordination training. Yes, after successful completion of service coordination training. Personnel Standards page 9 Connecticut Birth to Three System Personnel Standards To identify the requirements for practice, including licensure or certification, in each service area approved by the Connecticut Birth to Three System and to establish the supervisory requirements and job responsibilities for each area. Personnel Entry Degree Licensure/Certification Additional Supervision Required Job Responsibilities Can Act as Category Service Coordinator? Psychologist Graduate level Department of Education certificate Conducts evaluations and assessments, Yes, after School (masters or higher) endorsement #070 participates in IFSP development and successful implementation, monitors outcomes as part of completion of a transdisciplinary team, and provides direct service and/or consultative services to children and coordination families. training. Social Worker Masters of Social Licensed by the Department of Public Conducts evaluations and assessments, Yes, after Licensed Work Health under §20-195n C.G.S. participates in IFSP development and successful implementation, monitors outcomes as part of completion of a transdisciplinary team, and provides direct service and/or consultative services to children and coordination families. training. Social Worker Masters of Social Department of Education certificate Conducts evaluations and assessments, Yes, after School Work endorsement #071 participates in IFSP development and successful implementation, monitors outcomes as part of completion of a transdisciplinary team, and provides direct service and/or consultative services to children and coordination families. training. Social Worker Masters of Social Working towards Department of Public By a licensed clinical social worker Conducts evaluations and assessments, Yes, after Intern Work Health license under professional participates in IFSP development and successful supervision. This requires 3000 hours At least one hour per month of implementation, monitors outcomes as part of completion of exp including not less than 100 hours supervision and at least one team a transdisciplinary team, and provides direct service completed under supervision by a meeting per month. and/or consultative services to children and coordination licensed clinical or cert. independent families. training. social worker §20-195n C.G.S. All progress notes, evaluation and assessment reports must be Valid for up to two years from date of countersigned by a supervisor who is hire into Birth to Three while working a licensed Social Worker. toward licensure. Speech/ Masters Licensed by the Department of Public Conducts evaluations and assessments, Yes, after Language Health under §20-411 C.G.S. participates in IFSP development and successful Pathologist implementation, monitors outcomes as part of completion of a transdisciplinary team, and provides direct service and/or consultative services to children and coordination families. training. Personnel Standards page 10 Connecticut Birth to Three System Personnel Standards To identify the requirements for practice, including licensure or certification, in each service area approved by the Connecticut Birth to Three System and to establish the supervisory requirements and job responsibilities for each area. Personnel Entry Degree Licensure/Certification Additional Supervision Required Job Responsibilities Can Act as Category Service Coordinator? Speech/ Masters Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) status Must be supervised by a licensed Conducts evaluations and assessments, Yes, after Language permissive. speech/language pathologist as participates in IFSP development and successful Pathologist required under § 20-411 C.G.S. implementation, monitors outcomes as part of completion of (CFY) a transdisciplinary team, and provides direct service At least one hour per month of and/or consultative services to children and coordination supervision and at least one team families. training. meeting per month. Under regular supervision by professionally licensed or certified SLP, personnel may function independently. Teacher Bachelors a. Early Childhood Special Education (Dev. Therapist) b. Hearing Impaired c. Visually Impaired Department of Education a. Certificate endorsements: #112 Birth-Kindergarten #113 Nursery-Third grade #065 Comprehensive Special Education Pre-K to 12 b. Certificate endorsement #057 Pre-K to 12 c. Certificate endorsements: #059 Blind Pre-12 #057 Partially sighted 1-12 All progress notes, evaluations and assessments must be countersigned by a supervisor who is a licensed SLP. Those with initial certificates who work for school districts, Regional Educational Service Centers or approved private school programs must participate in the CT SDE program for beginning teachers and must meet all beginning teacher requirements consistent with the endorsement. (A mentor teacher is required). Conducts evaluation and assessments, participates in IFSP development and implementation, monitors outcomes as part of a transdisciplinary team, provides direct and/or consultative services to children and families, supervises assistants as appropriate Yes, after successful completion of service coordination training. Those who work for other types of Birth to Three programs must work successfully for 30 months under their initial certificate before applying for a provisional certificate. ______________________________ References: Part C of IDEA Sec. 1435(a)(9)(A) and (B) 34 CFR Section 303.119 17a-248 (10) of the C.G.S. 10-145d(g) C. G. S. Personnel Standards page 11