Admissions to PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential Program

The PK-3 ECE Specialist Instruction Credential Program is a 45-unit program. Candidates complete all five subject-specific pedagogy courses with a “B” or better when applying to Student Teaching. Candidates who may seek additional subject-specific content support, such as in math or science, will be provided with a list of recommended content courses. 

Candidates must meet the following admission criteria to be eligible for admission to the PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential Program:

1. Possession of a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally-accredited institution of higher education. 

2. Demonstrate Subject Matter competency.

Candidates may meet the Subject Matter Competency requirement through one of the following two options: 

   (A) Possession of a BA degree or higher from a regionally-accredited institution of higher education with a degree major in Child Development, Child and Adolescent Development, Human Development, Early  Childhood Education, Child and Family Studies, Early Childhood Studies, Human Development and Family Science, Family Science, or Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies. 

  (B) Completion of 24-semester units or the equivalent quarter units of non-remedial, degree-applicable coursework in child development or early childhood education. 

3. Must be fingerprinted and hold a valid CTC Certificate of Clearance, Emergency Permit, or other CTC Valid Credential. 

4. Submit a negative tuberculosis skin test taken within the last four (4) years or chest X-ray taken within the last eight (8) years. Tuberculosis clearance must be valid through student teaching.

5. Meet the program grade point average requirement of 2.67 overall or 2.75 in the last 60 semester units or 90 quarter units.

6. Participate in an interview with program faculty.Note: Interview must be completed the semester before applying.

7. Submit a completed application packet. In addition to 1-6 you would need to submit: Personal Statement, Letter of Recommendation, Unofficial Transcripts, and a Self-Assessment of Professional Dispositions.