• Overview
  • Introduction
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Historical Perspectives - Inception and the Early Years (1999 - 2002)
  • Historical Perspectives - The Expansion Years (2003 - 2005)
  • Our Archives: A Listing of Courses Previously Offered
  • Comments from Past Participants
  • Data from the Field
• Virtual ESE Course Offerings
  • Summer 2008
  • Proposed Schedule/Course Offerings
• Participating Universities and Contacts
  • Locate a University Contact
• Technology Expectations
• Related Resources
  • Certification Information
• Home

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I register for a course?
   All course registrations are handled though each participating university. Please contact the university nearest you to register for a course. Each participating university and the contact persons can be located on the Virtual ESE Online Distance Learning website.
2. Where do we access the syllabus and other information about these classes?
   The course instructor will send you information about the course and a syllabus prior to the course start date.

1. What is the cost of these courses Virtual ESE Online Distance Learning Program?
   Students currently pay regular graduate level tuition to the university where they register. Currently, graduate level tuition is approximately $250 per credit hour. Each course is three (3) credit hours.
2. What type of financial assistance is available?
   For a list of information on both regional, state, and federal financial assistance programs that are available to educators in Florida, please visit:
   
   http://www.florida-
   ese.org/personneldevelopment/uco/
   financial_assistance.aspx

1. What are the course requirements for the Autism, Severe/Profound Disabilities, and Pre-K Disabilities endorsements?
   Endorsement in the areas of severe/profound disabilities, Pre-K disabilities, and autism are required by July 1, 2011. For specific details on course requirements, go to:
   
   http://www.florida-
   ese.org/personneldevelopment/
   uco/endorsements.aspx .
2. How often are the classes offered?
   At least one course in each endorsement/certificate area is offered each semester through the Virtual ESE Online Distance Learning Program (Fall, Spring, Summer).
3. Will all of the courses needed to meet the endorsement/certificate requirements for Autism, Severe/Profound Disabilities, Pre-K Disabilities, and Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist be offered through this Virtual ESE online program at some point? 
   Yes, at least one course in each endorsement/certificate area is offered each semester through the Virtual ESE Online Distance Learning Program.
4. When does the first class start?
   Generally,
   • Fall semester courses start at the end of August
   • Spring semester courses start at the beginning of January
   • Summer semester courses start at the end of April or beginning of May

1. Once the endorsement is obtained, is that the same as being certified?
   An endorsement is a rider on a Florida certificate with a full subject coverage and denotes a particular expertise in an instructional level or methodology. An endorsement cannot stand alone on a certificate.  For more information, visit "Adding a Subject Area or Endorsement to a Certificate" at http://www.fldoe.org/edcert/adding.asp.
2. How do I add an endorsement to my Florida Professional Certificate?
   To learn how to add an endorsement to a valid Florida Professional Certificate, please visit the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Educator Certification online at http://www.fldoe.org/edcert/adding.asp.
   
   To add an endorsement to a valid Florida Professional Certificate you must:
   1. Submit a completed Application Form CG-10 (a complete application form includes appropriate processing fee), and
   2. Meet specialization in the subject you wish to add.
   
   Subject Specialization for an endorsement is met in one of two ways:
   • Complete the course requirements listed in State Board Rule for the endorsement, or
   • Complete a Florida school district's approved in-service add-on program for the endorsement (contact your district staff development office for more information).

Note: Certification requirements are subject to change! It is essential that you apply for the additional subject before you begin completing requirements. To ensure that you are completing the required steps to add the subject to your certificate, the Bureau of Educator Certification will provide you with a Statement of Status of Eligibility that officially outlines the requirements you need to complete for that subject. The Bureau cannot guarantee your path to eligibility for the subject until your application form has been received and completed.