Section 1202.2. Instructional Certificate Grade Spans and Age Levels.--(a) Notwithstanding 22 Pa. Code § 49.85 (relating to limitations), the grade spans and age levels for instructional certificates shall be as follows:
(1) Primary - prekindergarten, kindergarten, grades one through six or ages three (3) through eleven (11).
(2) Secondary - grades seven through twelve or ages eleven (11) through twenty-one (21).
(3) Specialized areas - prekindergarten through grade twelve or ages three (3) through twenty-one (21).
(b) Certificates issued in accordance with 22 Pa. Code § 49.85(a), (b) and (d) shall remain valid for the term of the certificate.
(c) An individual holding an Elementary/Middle Instructional Certificate issued in accordance with 22 Pa. Code § 49.85(b)(2) or (d)(2) shall have two pathways developed by the Department of Education to expand the scope of the individual's certificate to meet the grade levels covered under subsection (a)(2), which shall be limited to either completing continuing education credits for a specific certification level or attaining qualifying scores on the assessment made available by the Department of Education.
(d) Notwithstanding subsection (a), an approved educator preparation program may permit an individual enrolled in a program prior to July 1, 2028, and remaining continuously enrolled to complete the program for the grade level limitations provided under 22 Pa. Code § 49.85(d). The Department of Education shall issue the appropriate certificates to an applicant who completes the program and meets all other certification requirements. No later than July 1, 2028, an educator preparation program may not accept new candidates seeking a certificate under 22 Pa. Code § 49.85(d).
(e) (1) Notwithstanding 22 Pa. Code § 49.85, an educator holding an early childhood certificate issued under 22 Pa. Code § 49.85(b)(1) or (d)(1) may teach fifth and sixth grade. An educator holding a secondary school certificate may teach sixth grade in the subject area for which the secondary certificate is endorsed.
(2) The Secretary of Education may issue guidelines as necessary to implement this subsection.
(f) The Secretary of Education may grant exceptions to the grade and age level limitations specified in this section or for those issued in accordance with 22 Pa. Code § 49.85. The secretary shall issue guidelines that outline the circumstances under which exceptions shall be granted.
(g) An approved educator preparation program shall:
(1) Require individuals enrolled in a program who are pursuing an instructional certificate under subsection (a)(1) to complete a minimum of thirty (30) credit hours of early childhood coursework. Coursework shall include, but not be limited to, the following topics focused on early childhood:
(i) development stages;
(ii) learning theories;
(iii) curriculum development;
(iv) instructional strategies;
(v) content knowledge;
(vi) learning environments;
(vii) observation and assessment methods; and
(viii) family and community partnerships.
(2) Establish pathways for observation, research and student teaching which focus on specific child ages and grades within programs for individuals pursuing an instructional certificate under subsection (a)(1).
(3) Allow individuals enrolled in a program who are pursuing an instructional certificate under subsection (a)(1) to complete their fieldwork and student teaching in early childhood settings, including at their employment site, provided the employment site meets field placement criteria and ensures that the cooperating teacher is a certified educator.
(h) As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Early childhood" shall mean pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and grades one through three or ages three (3) through eight (8).
(1202.2 added Nov. 12, 2025, P.L.244, No.47)