26.02.1.1 In the provision of special education and related services, each public agency shall employ and/or enter into a professional services contract with individuals who hold a valid license from the State Board of Education or, as appropriate, another licensure Board with authority under State statute to issue such a license.

26.02.2.1 Public agencies may only use paraprofessionals in the provision of special education and related services who are appropriately trained and supervised in accordance with guidelines established by the ADE.

26.02.2.2 Public agencies may only use speech-language pathology aides and speech-language pathology assistants who have been approved by the ADE, Special Education Unit in accordance with a written agreement between the ADE, Special Education Unit and the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.

26.02.2.3 Public agencies employing Educational Interpreters for the Deaf must comply with guidelines published by the ADE.

26.02.3.1 When a public agency cannot employ a teacher who holds a valid teaching license in special education from the Arkansas State Board of Education, the public agency may use a teacher who is not licensed in special education to provide special education and related services when

26.02.3.2 Program Approval by the Special Education Unit for the use of individuals on a ALP to provide special education and related services is not to be confused with accreditation of a school or school district.

26.02.3.3 The purpose of program approval by the Special Education Unit is to verify that the special education and related services provided by a public agency meet state and federal requirements for the provision of special education and related services and, thus, the public agency may count students receiving those services to generate federal funds under the IDEA.

26.02.4.1 When a public agency uses a substitute teacher, the public agency must follow the regulations and procedures established by the ADE.