Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher Program Requirements

Temporary Authorization

A temporary authorization is given when you are hired in an Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher (ECCAT) position. Throughout your temporary authorization, you will work toward getting a permanent one. Below are the steps to obtain a temporary authorization.

• You must complete and submit Certification Form 41.
• You must provide the following along with your paper application:
  • ECCAT placement date
  • A copy of your high school diploma or GED®
  • Proof of your passing of the Aide State Competency Test
• You may include any ECCAT coursework certificates that you have completed.

An Initial Temporary Authorization does not require coursework to be completed. 

Renewal Authorization

Your ECCAT authorization must be renewed each year. You must complete 1 (one) course per year with all 4 courses completed within three (3) years. The courses are:

• PK-3 Child Development
• PK-3 Literacy-Science of Reading
• PK-3 Numeracy
• PK-3 Special Needs Inclusion

You must complete and submit Certification Form 41 to complete your authorization renewal.

Permanent Authorization

A permanent authorization can be given with or without current employment in an ECCAT position. To obtain a permanent authorization, you must: 

• Complete and submit Certification Form 41
• Provide the following with the paper application (if you never applied for a temporary authorization)
  • A copy of your high school diploma or GED®
  • Proof of your passing of the Aide State Competency Test

Pathways

You may choose between three specialization pathways for your permanent authorization:

Early Childhood WVDE Approved Course Work Pathway

For this pathway, you must submit ECCAT coursework certificates of completion for the following four (4) required courses:

• PK-3 Child Development
• PK-3 Literacy-Science of Reading
• PK-3 Numeracy
• PK-3 Special Needs Inclusion

Associate Child Development Specialist (ACDS) Pathway 

For this pathway, you must submit ECCAT coursework certificates of completion for the following three (3) required courses:

• US Department of Labor Certificate
• PK-3 Literacy-Science of Reading
• PK-3 Numeracy

Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential Pathway

For this pathway, you must submit ECCAT coursework certificates of completion for the following three (3) required courses:

• Current Copy of the Official Certificate issued by the National Credentialing Agency
• PK-3 Literacy-Science of Reading
• PK-3 Numeracy