The PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential authorizes the holder to teach all subjects in a self-contained general education classroom setting in grades preschool through grade three, including Transitional Kindergarten.  It also allows the holder to team teach or to regroup students across self-contained classrooms within this grade range.

Teaching English Learners

The PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Preliminary Teacher Preparation Program includes content for teaching English learners.  It will be issued with an authorization that allows the credential holder to provide instruction for English language development and specially designed academic instruction in English within the subject area and grade level authorization of the PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Teaching Credential.

Preliminary Credential based on Completion of a California Approved Program

A preliminary credential is the first document issued after an individual meets basic credential requirements. 

Validity Period

Preliminary Credentials are issued for a maximum of five years. During that 5-year period, holders must complete additional requirements to earn the Clear version of the credential.  If requirements for the Clear credential are not completed before the expiration of the preliminary, the holder will be unable to teach in California’s public schools with that credential until those requirements are met and the document is renewed.

Requirements for issuance

Candidates will initially need to earn a Preliminary PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Credential.  To do so, candidates must satisfy all of the following requirements: 

  1. Complete a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally-accredited college or university.
  2. Verify subject matter competence by one of the following methods:
    1. Possession of a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with a degree major in one of the following fields:
      • Child Development
      • Child and Adolescent Development
      • Human Development
      • Early Childhood Education
      • Child and Family Studies
      • Early Childhood Studies
      • Family Science
      • Human Development and Family Science
      • Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies.
    2. Completion of 24 semester units or 36 quarter units of non-remedial, degree-applicable coursework at a regionally accredited institution of higher education in early childhood education and/or child development.
  3. Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA). California Educator Credentialing Examinations (nesinc.com)
  4. Complete a Commission-approved PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist preparation program. 

Applying for the Credential

Candidates who complete the requirements listed above will obtain a formal recommendation for the credential by the program sponsor. 

Requirements for the Clear Credential

Individuals who complete a teacher preparation program and receive a five-year preliminary credential must earn a clear credential by completing one of the following options:

Option 1
Complete a Commission-approved Teacher Induction Program and submit their application for the clear credential through the Induction Program sponsor.

Option 2
Teachers who are certified by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards in the qualifying subject Early Childhood/Generalist certificate after obtaining the California Preliminary PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Teaching Credential will be issued a Clear PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Teaching Credential.

Applying for the Credential

Candidates who earn the clear credential through Option 1 will obtain a formal recommendation for the credential through their program sponsor. 

Candidates who earn their clear credential through Option 2 may apply directly to the Commission by submitting an application including all of the following:

  1. Photocopy of National Board Certification
  2. Completed application (form 41-4)
  3. Application processing fee

Validity period

Clear credentials are issued for five years.  There are no additional credentialing requirements to complete for clear credentials.  Once earned, they may be renewed with an application and a fee.

Adding a PK-3 Credential for Existing Credential Holders

Individuals who already hold a valid Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with an English Learner Authorization do not have to complete a teacher preparation program to earn a PK-3 credential. Individuals will be issued a PK-3 Early Childhood Education Credential with the term of preliminary or clear based upon and in alignment with their existing valid Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Individuals may apply directly under this option by competing the following:

  1. Completed application (form 41-4)
  2. Verify subject matter competence by one of the following methods:
    1. Possession of a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with a degree major in one of the following fields:
      • Child Development
      • Child and Adolescent Development
      • Human Development
      • Early Childhood Education
      • Child and Family Studies
      • Early Childhood Studies
      • Family Science
      • Human Development and Family Science
      • Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies.
    2. Completion of 24 semester units or 36 quarter units of non-remedial, degree-applicable coursework at a regionally accredited institution of higher education in early childhood education and/or child development.
  3. Application processing fee

 

Reference:

California Education Code, Sections 44225 (h) and (q), 44225 (b) and (e), 44226 (c), 44226, 44279.1 and 44370; Title 5, California Code of Regulations Section 80067

Updated March 29, 2024