(a)

1. (1) The Birth through Prekindergarten Teaching Credential shall:

   1. (A) Become effective upon the date of issue; and
   2. (B) Be valid for five (5) years.
2. (2) The credential shall expire five (5) years from the effective date as reflected on the Birth through Prekindergarten Teaching Credential.

3. (3) The procedure for applying for a Birth through Prekindergarten Teaching Credential is as follows:

   1. (A) Complete the application form;
   2. (B) Complete the non-criminal background check or show verification of completion;
   3. (C) Complete Child Maltreatment Central Registry check or show verification of completion;
   4. (D) Attach official college transcript or transcripts of college hours with course objectives;
   5. (E) Attach course objectives and competencies for each course;
   6. (F) Attach a report showing the designated qualifying assessment score; and
   7. (G) Send a cover letter, application, and transcript or transcripts to the Office of Early Childhood.

(b)

1. (1) A person holding the Birth through Prekindergarten Teaching Credential shall complete a minimum of thirty (30) hours of professional development annually in early childhood development or early childhood education.

2. (2) At least ten (10) of the thirty (30) hours should be in the areas of:

   1. (A) Special populations;
   2. (B) English as a second language;
   3. (C) Nutrition; and
   4. (D) Health and safety of infants and toddlers.
3. (3) This professional development shall be approved and documented by the Department of Education or the Arkansas Professional Development Registry.