Which of the following types of teaching professionals are eligible for alternative preparation programs?

The correct answer highlights that alternative preparation programs are designed to accept teachers from various instructional fields but explicitly exclude those in exceptional education. This is because exceptional children often require specialized training and qualifications that are typically addressed through traditional routes to certification due to the complexity of their needs.

Alternative preparation programs are aimed at providing a pathway for individuals who want to enter the teaching profession from other careers or fields of study. These programs are generally more flexible and are structured to accommodate candidates who have expertise in a variety of subjects, making option C the appropriate choice.

In contrast, options involving specific subject areas like exceptional children, language arts, or physical education might imply a narrower scope of eligibility, which does not reflect the broader access provided by alternative preparation programs, specifically highlighted in option C.