I have been in the US with an F-1 visa since August 2004, with the exception of Christmas and Summer vacations. I've been told that I must file tax returns for 2009 as a resident alien. Can I claim the higher education credits?

For 2009, I was physically present in the US for all 365 days.
For 2008, I was physically present in the US for 339 days.
And in 2007, I was physically present in the US 261 days.

Yes in 2009 file resident tax return. You can claim tuition and fee deduction or education credit and Making Work Pay credit.