Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher (ECCAT) Authorization

Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher (ECCAT) Authorizations may be issued to individuals hired and assigned to an ECCAT position in a West Virginia public school system or to those who have completed all requirements for a permanent authorization. Our Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher Program Requirements page provides more details on classes and steps to become a certified ECCAT.

General Requirements

To apply, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or hold eligible documentation (see Policy 5202, Minimum Requirements for the Licensure of Professional/Paraprofessional Personnel and Advanced Salary Classifications)
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be physically, mentally, and emotionally qualified
• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent

Employment and Recommendations

To apply, you must:

• Be employed to obtain a temporary ECCAT Authorization
• Have an official recommendation from the county director or superintendent of the county you are employed by

Please note: Permanent ECCAT Authorizations do not require employment. 

Initial Application Requirements

If you are employed in the West Virginia public school system, you must pass the current state competency exam for aides developed pursuant to W.Va. Code §18A-4-8e. If you are not employed in the public school system (for example, if you work for a community program), you may not need to take the competency exam. Check with your employer to confirm what they require.

Renewal Requirements

You must complete one specialized training after your previous authorization was awarded.

Permanent Requirements

Speak to your employer to help you determine your eligibility. Literacy-Science of Reading, Numeracy, Child Development, and Special Needs Inclusion are the four (4) required courses for permanent PK-3 ECCAT authorization. See more requirements below.

• English: completion of a college-level English course (100 level course or higher) may be substituted for Literacy
• Math: completion of a college-level Math course (100 level course or higher) may be substituted for Numeracy
• College courses must be on an official transcript.

If you have a valid Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, completed the 4 semesters of Apprenticeship for Child Development Specialist (ACDS), completed a Career Technical Education ECCAT program of study, or completed an approved Community & Technical College ECCAT program, you may be eligible for permanent ECCAT PK-3 authorization.  

Application Submission

For instructions on how to apply for a license to work in West Virginia public schools, follow the steps detailed on the certification application process page.

If this is your first time using our Certification Portal, you will need to register. Follow the instructions for first-time applicants. 

$35