Special Education (36 Hours): Early Childhood Special Education – Rhode Island

Educational Requirements

According to the Rhode Island Department of Education:

The state of Rhode Island offers the following endorsements. 

• Rhode Island offers an Early Childhood Special Education Certificate (Birth-Grade 2).

Additional Requirements (After Degree Conferral)

1. Please submit all licensure documents (located on the Gate 4 Checklist) to gate4@liberty.edu.
2. Gate 4 will complete a College Verification Form which will be used to apply for licensure. 
3. Students will NOT need to obtain their Virginia license first to qualify for reciprocity. 

Reciprocity

Reciprocity allows individuals who completed a state-approved out-of-state preparation program or who hold valid full out-of-state certificates to pursue RI certification where similar certificate areas exist. 

Non-RI State-Approved Preparation Program Completer:

Preparation programs must lead to comparable RI certificates. 

Individuals pursuing this pathway should review the testing requirements. 

When submitting an application, include official student-issued transcripts and/or letter of verification of a completed approved program stating the content and grade range as well as an official test report if it hasn’t already been sent to RIDE.