An adult education classroom is part of a public education program for adults 18 and older.  However, there are several sections of Education Code that allow individuals under the age of 18 years to attend classes for adults. 

An Adult Education teaching credential issued by the Commission authorizes the holder to provide instruction in the subject area on the credential in courses limited to adult education programs. It does not authorize the holder to provide instruction in traditional K-12 public schools, as identified by the California Department of Education (CDE), including charter schools. Educators teaching classes that are organized primarily for adults must either hold a Commission issued document authorizing the assignment, provided in the Documents Authorizing Adult Education webpage, or be otherwise legally authorized through statute/regulations (ie. Local Assignment Option).

Adult Education FAQs

Are fee-based community service classes subject to assignment monitoring?

No, fee-based community service classes are not subject to assignment monitoring. However, courses that are part of a regular adult education program and/or contribute to earning a General Educational Development (GED) must be taught by an educator holding an appropriate authorization for the subject matter being taught.

What credential is required to teach ESL in Adult Education?

The following documents authorize teaching ESL in classes organized primarily for adults:

  • Designated Subjects Adult Education Teaching Credential that authorizes English as a Second Language
  • Designated Subjects credential with a Basic Education authorization (issued prior to 1995)
  • Designated Subjects Adult Education Teaching Credential with full CLAD authorization (e.g. ELA1) or Bilingual authorization
  • Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or Education Specialist Instruction Credential with full CLAD authorization (e.g. ELA1) or Bilingual authorization
  • Single Subject Teaching Credential in World Languages: ELD

Is there a mandate to audit Adult Education and Preschool assignments in CalSAAS?

As there are currently no CALPADS course codes for Adult Education or Child Development settings, these assignments cannot be monitored within CalSAAS at this time. However, the year-round statutory responsibility remains, which requires all educators be assigned appropriately.

Which courses is the holder of an Adult Education Teaching Credential with the Academic Subject Area of Elementary and Secondary Basic Skills (ESBS) authorized to teach?

A holder of the Adult Education Credential in ESBS is authorized to teach courses in elementary/remedial level arithmetic and reading, individualized high school learning lab/G.E.D./contract class settings, and citizenship, in classes organized primarily for adults. This authorization does not authorize the educator to teach specific subject area courses. To determine if the holder of the ESBS authorization is authorized to teach a particular course, the Local Education Agency (LEA) must review the course description to identify if the content falls within the scope of the ESBS authorization. Refer to T5 §80036.3(a) and T5 §80036(d).  
Designated Subjects
Local Assignment Options (Adult Education)Ed Code/Reg
Staff Developer in subject(s) listed on Adult Education CredentialTitle 5 80020.4(c)
Program Coordinator in subject(s) listed on Adult Education credentialTitle 5 80020.4.1(b)
Short-Term Staff PermitTitle 5 80021
Provisional Internship PermitTitle 5 80021.1
Adult Education Credential holder (no part-time) may serve as a substitute in courses organized primarily for adultsTitle 5 80034.5(b)
Local Assignment Options (Special Subjects)Ed Code/Reg
Driver Education (Classroom Instruction) ** May also consider Committee on Assignments or a Variable Term Waiver**Education Code 44263
Local Assignment Options (Vocational Education/CTE)Ed Code/Reg
Staff Developer in subject(s) listed on Voc. Ed or CTE CredentialTitle 5 80020.4.(d)
Program Coordinator in subject(s) listed on Voc. Ed. or CTE CredentialTitle 5 80020.4.1(c)
Voc. Ed substitute teaching for any holder of a document requiring BA and BSRTitle 5 80025.3(a)
CTE Substitute PermitTitle 5 80025.5
Voc. Ed (Full-Time) or CTE credential holder may serve as CTE substituteTitle 5 80034.5(a)
Updated September 22, 2025