Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 505-2-.151 - Speech-Language Associate

(1) Summary: This rule outlines the requirements and procedures for issuance of the service certificate in Speech-Language Associate P-12, which allows individuals certified in this field to provide related educational support or direct intervention for all students whose individual education plan (IEP) indicates instructional needs in the area of communication disorders under the direct supervision of a certified Speech and Language Pathologist.

(2) Professional Certificate (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.05 PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE).

(a) Issuance.

1. An individual is eligible for a Standard Professional certificate in the field of Speech-Language Associate based on meeting the following requirements:

(i) Meet one of the following options:

(I) Completion of a state-approved certification preparation program in Speech-Language Associate at the bachelor's degree level - level four (4) - or higher.

(II) Hold a valid or expired out-of-state professional certificate at the bachelor's degree level or higher in Speech-Language Associate or GaPSC-determined equivalent with a minimum of one (1) year of successful experience in the field as defined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.25 EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS.

A. If an individual does not meet the experience requirement, they may only qualify for Professional certification by meeting the requirement outlined in (I).

(ii) Meet the Special Georgia Requirements (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.24 SPECIAL GEORGIA REQUIREMENTS) applicable to the field of Speech-Language Associate.

(I) Pass the GACE content knowledge assessment. As of the date of this rule, no GACE content assessment is available in this field. Upon development of the GACE Speech-Language Associate assessment, a passing score will be required for initial certification in this field or at the time of renewal if the certificate was issued prior to GACE availability.

(II) Meet Standards of Conduct.

(iii) Apply for certification following procedures outlined in Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES.

(3) Provisional Certificate Requirements (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.08 PROVISIONAL CERTIFICATE).

(a) Issuance.

1. Hold a bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders or Speech and Language Pathology from a GaPSC-accepted accredited institution.

2. Pass the GACE content knowledge assessment. As of the date of this rule, no GACE content assessment is available in this field. Upon development of the GACE Speech-Language Associate assessment, a passing score will be required for conversion of the Provisional certificate to a Professional certificate.

3. Meet Georgia's standards of conduct.

4. Have the certificate requested by the employing Georgia local unit of administration following procedures outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION APPLICATION, MyPSC AND TEST ELIGIBILITY PROCEDURES.

(b) The Provisional certificate will be issued for one (1) year pending verification of enrollment in GaPSC-accepted educator preparation program leading to professional certification in the field of Speech-Language Associate. Once enrolled in a GaPSC-accepted program, the certificate will be extended for two additional years (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.08 PROVISIONAL CERTIFICATE).

(c) Conversion.

1. Complete a GaPSC-accepted program in the field of Speech-Language Associate.

2. Meet the following Special Georgia Requirements:

(i) Pass the GACE content knowledge assessment, if not passed for issuance of the Provisional certificate.

(ii) Meet Standards of Conduct.

(iii) Apply for certification following procedures outlined in Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES.

(3) Non-Renewable Professional Requirements (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.09 NON-RENEWABLE PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE).

(a) A One (1)-year Non-Renewable Professional certificate in the field of Speech-Language Associate may be issued at the request of an employing Georgia local unit of administration (LUA) to an individual who holds an expired Georgia Standard Professional Speech-Language Associate certificate but has not met renewal requirements outlined in section (7) below.

(4) Additional Certificate Title Issued in the Field.

(a) Retired Educator (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.44 RETIRED EDUCATOR CERTIFICATE).

(5) To Add the Field (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.34 ADD A FIELD).

(a) To add Speech-Language Associate to an existing certificate in any field, an individual must complete the requirements for an initial Speech-Language Associate certificate outlined in (2)(a), to include all applicable Special Georgia Requirements.

(6) To Upgrade the Level (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.33 CERTIFICATE UPGRADE).

(7) Renewal Requirements (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.36 RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS).

(a) To renew a Professional Speech-Language Associate Certificate, an individual must complete renewal requirements outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.36 RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS.

(8) In-Field Statement (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.40 IN-FIELD ASSIGNMENT).

(a) Under the direction of a GaPSC-certified Speech and Language Pathologist, individuals certified in Speech-Language Associate are in-field to provide educational support or direct intervention for all students whose individual education plan indicates instructional needs in the area of communication disorders.

Notes

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 505-2-.151

O.C.G.A. § 20-2-200.

Original Rule entitled "Birth to Five Endorsement" adopted. F. Oct. 22, 2004; eff. Nov. 15, 2004, as specified by the Agency. Repealed: New Rule entitled "Birth Through Five Endorsement" adopted. F. June 18, 2007; eff. July 15, 2007, as specified by the Agency. Repealed: F. Jun. 11, 2014; eff. July 1, 2014, as specified by the Agency. Adopted: New Rule entitled "Speech-Language Associate." F. Sept. 25, 2024; eff. Oct. 15, 2024, as specified by the Agency.