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).

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 March 18, 2025