For the purpose of this part, the following definitions shall apply:

1. (1) “Birth through prekindergarten” means children from birth through age four (4) or five (5);

2. (2)

   1. (A) “Birth through Prekindergarten Teaching Credential” means a credential based on attainment of specified competencies.
   2. (B) These competencies can be found in a core of college credit hours at either the two-year or four-year level;
3. (3) “Competency” means knowledge or skill which has been identified as critical to the Birth through Prekindergarten Teaching Credential;
4. (4) “Core course” means a course designed by higher education to include specified early childhood competencies;
5. (5) “Designated assessment” means a knowledge or skill assessment for the birth through prekindergarten teaching competencies;
6. (6) “Minimum educational level” means eighteen (18) to twenty-seven (27) college credit hours in early childhood development and early childhood education focused specifically on infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with no course grade below a "C";
7. (7) “OEC” means the Office of Early Childhood of the Department of Education;
8. (8) “Public early childhood education program” means an education program which is all or partially funded with state or federal funds and serves children from birth through prekindergarten; and
9. (9) “Qualifying assessment score” means the score determined by the Office of Early Childhood.