(a)
(1) A person teaching in a public early childhood education program may obtain a birth through prekindergarten teaching credential from the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education of the Department of Human Services.
(2) Subdivision (a)(1) of this section shall not be construed to permit a person teaching in a public early childhood education program to utilize the teaching credential in lieu of a P-4 teaching license issued by the State Board of Education when the license is required.
(b) As used in this subchapter, “public early childhood education program” means an education program that:
(1) All or part of which is funded with state or federal funds; and
(2) Serves children whose ages may range from birth through prekindergarten.
(c)
(1) The division shall develop the teaching credential under this subchapter not later than January 31, 2010.
(2) The teaching credential is valid for five (5) years and may be renewed upon completion of the requirements set forth in law and established by the division.
(3) An applicant for an initial teaching credential or a renewal teaching credential is not required to pay a fee for submitting the application or obtaining the teaching credential.
(d) Institutions of higher education in this state may submit to the Department of Education proposals for the creation of a birth through prekindergarten endorsement for P-4 teacher licensure.