Maria: Does a teacher assigned to teach a disabled student needs to be certified?
Teacher Certification: CERTIFICATION FOR TEACHING STUDENT WITH DISABILITY
Special Education Law and Advocacy
Does an LEA need to be a certified teacher for early intervention ages 3-5
Yes, this age group with or without disabilities need to be certified teachers in accordance with state requirements. Serving students under 3 is usually done by another state agency, & these staff do not need to be certified teachers.
Revisions have been made through the enactment of Every Student Succeeds Act. It is no longer a federal requirement for teachers to hold a “highly qualified” status to teach. I cannot find specifics pertaining to special education under ESSA, but I was told that the same rule applies. Check with your state department of education to be sure.
Typically yes, but a state may allow exceptions, These are usually for temporary substitutes, individuals who have completed some of the coursework. Your state parent training & information center can assist you in finding the rules in your state. http://www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center/