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

 

CSULB Admission – Application cycle opens March 1, 2025

Students that already hold a bachelor's degree or whom will be graduating with their degree (bachelors or masters) at the end of the current semester should apply to CSULB for the semester they wish to begin taking credential courses. Please be aware that an SSN or ITIN number is required to obtain a Certificate of Clearance and apply to the Credential Program. 

  • The CSULB deadline for Fall admission to the University is June 1.  
    *International Student Admission Deadline for Fall admission is April 1. 

The University application deadline is firm.  Applications to the university will NOT be accepted after the deadline.  Candidates that miss the university deadline may attend through Open University until the next application period. Please be aware that admission to the university does not constitute admission to the program. Candidates must also submit the PK-3 Credential Program Application as indicated below and participate in an interview with program faculty before submitting the program application. This is a second and separate application from the Cal State Apply online application.  

Instructions on how to apply to CSULB are available.

Application Deadlines  

Students who meet the admission criteria may submit an application to the PK-3 Credential Program to be considered for admission.  This application is separate from the University application. 

Credential Program Application Periods: 

To Begin Credential Program in: 

Final Application Deadline: 

FallJuly 1st at 5pm

Complete credential program application must be submitted online at MyCED.  The PK-3CP program application and instructions for submitting are available below under Program Application Requirements. To access MyCED, you must be a current CSULB student or have already submitted your application on calstate.edu/apply and received a Campus ID#. 

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. 
  1. Demonstrate Subject Matter Competency (SMC). Candidates meet the subject matter competence requirement through one of the following two options:
    1. Possession of a  Bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with an exact degree title of one of the following: 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. Applicants whose degree title is not listed must meet the SMC requirement through option B.  
    2. Completion of 24-semester units or the equivalent quarter units of non-remedial, degree-applicable coursework in child development or early childhood education. Applicants will need to provide a copy of unofficial transcripts for program review. 
  1. Must be fingerprinted and hold a valid CTC Clearance, Emergency Permit, Child Development Permit, or other CTC Valid Credential. 
  1. Submit a negative tuberculosis (TB) skin test taken within the last four (4) years or a chest X-ray taken within the last eight (8) years. Tuberculosis clearance must be valid through student teaching. 
  1. Meet the program grade point average requirement of 2.67 overall or 2.75 in the last 60 semester units or 90 quarter units.  
  1. Participate in an interview with program faculty. Note: Interview must be completed the semester before applying.  
  1. Submit a completed application by the appropriate deadline. In addition to 1-6 you would need to submit: Personal Statement, Unofficial Transcripts from each institution, and the contact of Recommender.

Use the checklist below to organize your application documents prior to uploading all required documents to MyCED.

  1. Personal Information 
  2. Education Information 
    1. Unofficial Transcripts - Candidates will need Unofficial Transcripts from EACH institution you have attended, including CSULB.
  3. Admissions Requirements 
    1. SMC - Candidates will upload a Subject Matter Competency (SMC) Evaluation Form.
    2. Valid Negative TB Test - Skin Tests, Risk Assessments and Blood Tests are valid for 4 years and Chest x-rays are valid for 8 years. Verification must show the date read and results (negative).
    3. CTC Clearance - Take a Screen shot of your Certificate of Clearance, 30 Day Sub Permit, Child Development Permit or Activity Supervisor Permit from the CTC website showing Document Number and Expiration Date.
  4. Application Materials 
    1. Personal Statement - 1-2 page typed, and double-spaced paper. Describe what inspired you to become a teacher of young children. Explain your experience with diverse communities (e.g., non-native English speakers, low-income families, immigrant communities, culturally, ethnically, and young children with special needs) and how that influences your view of teaching. Please provide at least one experience.
    2. Date of Faculty Interview - Candidates complete an interview with program faculty and must provide the date of the scheduled interview. 
  5. Recommendation Form - Candidates will enter the name and email address in MyCED for an individual who is familiar with the candidate’s abilities and dispositions in a professional setting. Examples of acceptable recommenders are professors, job supervisors, employers, clergy, etc. Family members and PK-3 credential Instructors are not acceptable. Recommenders are asked to consider the applicant’s potential as a teacher. The recommender will be sent a link to the Recommendation Form to be completed and sent back directly to the program. 

Candidates are required to complete an interview with a program faculty member prior to being admitted to the program.  It is suggested that the interview be completed prior to submitting a program application.  Please contact the Student Success and Advising Center to sign up for an interview the semester you are planning to submit your program application.  Interviews ONLY take place in March, April, and May. Faculty are not available to interview candidates during winter and summer. Interview times fill up so it is suggested that you contact the office early in the semester to secure an interview appointment.