FAQs about the new PK-6 grade spans will be forthcoming from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). In the meantime, EPPs  cannot advertise, nor apply, for the new PK-6 grade spans until their program has been approved in accordance with the updated competencies. The Division of Professional Education and Teacher Quality is currently in the process of creating the new PK-6 competencies. This process is tentatively scheduled to be completed by June 2026. During this time, BSLTQ will be working with the State Board of Education and the Secretary of Education on approving a new Primary Certification (PK-6) test.

While the Grades PK-6 competencies and tests are being created, Grades PK-4 and Grades 4-8 programs should continue at all approved EPP programs. Act 47 prohibits EPPs from admitting students under the current Early Childhood (PK-4) or Elementary/ Middle (4-8) certificates after July 1, 2028. As a result, fall 2027 should be the last semester that EPPs formally admit students into these current programs.  This will allow students to obtain the required 48 credits and 3.0 GPA for entry into the EPP (students may also use the alternatives to admission under Chapter 354). Current assessments for Grades PK-4 and Grades 4-8 will be available for those students continuously enrolled in these programs until all students complete them.