Professional Preparation Standards

The Professional Preparation Standards by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) are designed to define the specialized expertise required for special educators to ensure safe and effective practice. These standards are pivotal for preparation programs, accreditation organizations, and credentialing agencies.

Key Areas of Focus

1. Special Education Professional Preparation Standards

Defines what special education professionals need to know and demonstrate at the beginning of their practice.

2. Gifted Education Professional Preparation Standards

Outlines the essential knowledge and skills for professionals in gifted education.

3. Initial Practice-Based Professional Preparation Standards for EI/ECSE

Specifically designed for early interventionists and early childhood special educators.
Released in 2020, targeted at preparing special educators in Early Interventionists/Early Childhood Special Education.

4. Administrator Preparation Standards

Provides a framework for the preparation of special education administrators, distinct from teacher-centric programs.

Practice-Based Professional Preparation Program Standards

Introduced two sets of CEC Standards for special educator preparation programs in July 2020.
Vision is to guide professionals in delivering effective instruction for children and youth with disabilities.
Initial K-12 Standards
- Revision of the 2012 K-12 Standards focusing on kindergarten through twelfth grade educators.
Initial EI/ECSE Standards
- Focus on early interventionists and early childhood special educators working with children from birth to eight years old, at risk for developmental delays and disabilities.

Approval and Implementation

The standards have been submitted to the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for inclusion in the specialized professional association (SPA) Program Review Process.
Will be optional for reports in spring 2021 and mandatory by spring 2023.

Additional Resources and Information

Professional Development, Standards, Tools and Resources, Information and Research, and High-Leverage Practices are available through CEC.
CEC engages in policy work and advocacy, offering resources such as Advocacy Basics and Policy Insider.
Membership options include individual, group memberships, and award programs.

Contact Information

Address: 3100 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 600 Arlington, VA, 22201-5332 United States
Contact: (888) 232-7733 or (703) 620-3660
Email: [email protected]

Legal and Privacy

Includes details on privacy policy, accessibility statement, and terms of use.

Standards for Special Educator Preparation