Becoming a school psychologist in New York involves meeting specific credentialing requirements set by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). Understanding these requirements is crucial for professionals aiming to work in educational settings. This blog provides a clear overview of the licensing process and continuing education requirements for school psychologists in New York.
SEA Credential: Provisional Certificate
To obtain a Provisional Certificate, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a Bachelor's degree (BA).
- Complete 60 graduate credits in psychology.
- Undertake a 1-year school psychology internship, with at least 600 hours in a school setting.
SEA Credential: Permanent Certificate
For the Permanent Certificate, candidates need:
- A Provisional Certificate.
- A Master's degree (MA).
- Two years of work experience in schools.
School Psychology Bilingual Extension
School psychologists can also attain a bilingual extension by enrolling in a course of study leading to this credential. This typically involves engaging in a supervised experience within a bilingual context.
Continuing Education Requirements
Once the Permanent Certificate is achieved, renewal is not required. This means that school psychologists do not need to complete continuing education credits to maintain their credential.
Scope of Practice
School psychologists with the SEA credential in New York are permitted to work in "exempt" settings, which include:
- Public and private schools
- NYSED approved preschool programs
- NYS DOH Early Intervention programs
- College and university settings
- Some state and federal agencies (e.g., OCFS)
Practicing in any other setting is considered illegal unless the individual is licensed in New York as a psychologist. School psychologists are identified as "exempt professionals" under Article 153 of the licensure law for psychologists in NY. Therefore, their scope of practice is the same as that defined for licensed psychologists, provided it is within an "exempt setting."
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