TITLE 8. EDUCATION

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Notice of Intended Regulatory Action

Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the State Board of Education intends to consider amending 8VAC20-23, Licensure Regulations for School Personnel, and 8VAC20-543, Regulations Governing the Review and Approval of Education Programs in Virginia.

The purpose of the proposed action is to amend the two regulations to create a less burdensome pathway for licensed elementary and special education teachers to add an Add-On Endorsement in Special Education Early Childhood. This endorsement will create a streamlined pathway for licensed elementary and special education teachers to serve children with disabilities from birth to five years of age without requiring completion of a full preparation program, major, or 27 graduate credit hours.

The agency does not intend to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: §§ 22.1-16 and 22.1-298.1 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: March 11, 2026.

Agency Contact: Jim Chapman, Director of Board Relations, Department of Education, James Monroe Building, 101 North 14th Street, 25th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 750-8750, or email jim.chapman@doe.virginia.gov.