Associate in Arts

Associate’s Degree

Take the courses you need to qualify as a teaching assistant in public or private high schools. Or, after you complete your associate’s degree, you can continue in a bachelor’s degree program at Indian River State College or another Florida public university — which will prepare you to teach at the high school level.

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with Reading and ESOL Endorsements

Bachelor’s Degree

Location: Online

This program includes multiple field experience requirements in Florida schools.

Description: Help children build a foundation that will help them become successful in their futures. This program will prepare you to teach elementary school students with a focus on literacy and learning English as a second language.

Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education with Reading and ESOL Endorsements

Bachelor’s Degree

Location: Online

Learn how to help every child succeed in the classroom. This program prepares you to work with students in grades K-12 who have various learning needs, with a focus on literacy and learning English as a second language.

Funding is available for paraprofessionals or teacher’s assistants in this program through the Florida Department of Education.

Educator Preparation Institute

Certificates of Professional Preparation

Is EPI Right for Me?

Already Teaching on a Temporary Certificate

In many cases, EPI is not required. Verify requirements on your Statement of Eligibility (SOE) and with your district certification specialist or EPI lead Professor Lalla.

Have a Non‑Education Bachelor’s Degree

EPI is the standard route. You’ll complete professional education competencies, FTCE exams, and a mentored practicum.

Finishing AA or Changing Careers

If you do not yet hold a bachelor’s, consider IRSC’s B.S. in Elementary Education or ESE. EPI is for bachelor’s degree holders.

Note: If your employer does not offer an Educator Competence/Employer Program, EPI can meet the professional preparation requirement.

How the EPI Works

Program Components

• Professional education coursework (7 or 10 courses, based on SOE/subject area)
• Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE): General Knowledge (GK), Professional Education (PEd), and Subject Area Examination (SAE)
• Mentored EPI Practicum with portfolio demonstrating the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs)

Typical Timeline

• Obtain a Statement of Eligibility (SOE) showing “Eligible” for your subject area
• Apply to IRSC as a EPI student and upon acceptance complete onboarding
• Begin coursework and schedule FTCE exams at appropriate milestones
• Complete the EPI Practicum with portfolio
• Submit documentation to FLDOE to upgrade to a Professional Certificate

Admission & Eligibility

Eligibility Checklist

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• SOE indicating subject area eligibility (may require passing an FTCE Subject Area Exam)
• Professional dispositions and availability for practicum

Looking Ahead…

A Level 2 background screening will be required later in the program for school/district placement. We mention it here so applicants are aware early: those with prior issues that may prevent clearance could face challenges progressing through the program.

How to Apply

• Complete an IRSC application, selecting EPI as your program.
• Email your SOE and completed data form to mlalla@irsc.edu.
• Begin coursework; track FEAPs evidence for the practicum portfolio.

What to Expect to Learn in the EPI

Note: EPI course count varies (7 or 10) by subject area and SOE requirements.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement

Two Autism Endorsement courses are offered each semester. All courses are delivered online and facilitated by an instructor who guides course activities, assignments, and communication.

Course Schedule

Fall Courses

• EEX 4603 — Positive Behavior Support
• EEX 4232 — Identification and Assessment of Students with Autism

Spring Courses

• EEX 4094 — Educating Students with Autism
• EEX 4760 — Assistive Technology for Students with Autism

How to Register

Registration is completed online through Indian River State College. Students should apply as a baccalaureate-level, nondegree-seeking student using one of the following program codes:

• H0010: Nondegree, employment-related
• H0020: Nondegree, personal use

Use the registration checklist below to prepare the required application materials. All admission documents must be received before the applicable registration deadline.

Registration Checklist

1. Complete the Application for Admission

Complete the IRSC Application for Admission and submit your Statement of Residency online.

Applications may be submitted before the semester in which you plan to enroll. Review IRSC’s residency requirements to determine whether you qualify as a Florida resident for tuition purposes.

2. Submit Your Teaching Certificate and Transcripts

Provide the following documents:

• A copy of your Florida Professional Educator Certificate or Temporary Certificate
• A copy of your college transcripts

Documents may be scanned and emailed to Hadeel Mustafa.

3. Pay the Application Fee

Students enrolling in baccalaureate-level courses must pay a one-time, nonrefundable $30 application fee.

The fee may be submitted online with the Application for Admission.

Program Costs

Current baccalaureate-level tuition for Florida residents is $117.10 per credit hour. Each course is three credit hours.

Additional expenses include:

• A $15 distance learning fee per course
• Four required textbooks for the complete endorsement program

Tuition, fees, and textbook costs are subject to change.

Need Assistance?

For questions about the application or registration process, contact Hadeel Mustafa.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement program at Indian River State College.

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