Teacher Certification

Teacher Certification

---

Graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education program at Skagit Valley College will be recommended for their Washington State Residency Teaching certificate with an Early Childhood Education endorsement upon passing the NES content exam for early childhood education. 

Information on Washington State teacher certification can be found on the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) website.

 

At Program Start

Prior to Fall program start, candidates admitted into the Bachelors of Early Childhood Education program will be required to:

• Complete the WEST-B or a PESB approved equivalent basic skills assessment. 
• Submit fingerprints for a Washington State Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigations background check.

 

During the Program

In the Spring of BAS Year 2, candidates will apply for Pre-Residency Clearance through the OSPI E-Certification system. This clearance is required for Student Teaching, starting in Fall of BAS Year 3. Candidates can refer to this user guide to assist them in accessing the Pre-Residency Clearance application. 

 

At Program Completion

Candidates who successfully complete the requirements of the BASECE teacher preparation program and pass the NES content exam for early childhood education will be recommended to OSPI for Residency First Issue Certificate by Skagit Valley College. Once SVC has made the recommendation, the graduate will apply for this certificate through the E-Certification system. The fee to apply for the Residency First Issue Certificate is $93.

 

Transferring Certification/Licensure Out of State

Individuals who hold a Washington Residency Teaching Certificate may also teach in Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, and Oklahoma. Other states do not have direct reciprocity with Washington, but a Washington teaching certificate may be used for accelerated licensure in many states; please see the Education Commission’s 50 State Comparison for more detail. 

 

Helpful Links

• Fingerprint and Background Check Information
• WEST-B basic skills and NES content knowledge tests
• E-Certification System
• OSPI