Educational Requirement for Teachers (Title 22)

As mandated by Title 22, State of California Department of Social Services, the minimum requirements for teachers in childcare centers are as follows:

Absolute Minimum:

Prior to employment, a teacher shall have completed at least six units of the education requirement specified below. After employment, a teacher hired with only six units shall complete, with passing grades, at least two units each semester until completion of 12 units in the areas specified below.

Basic State Requirement:

To be a fully qualified teacher, a teacher shall have one of the following:

1. Twelve units in Early Childhood Education or Child Development completed at an accredited college and at least six months of work experience in a licensed day-care center or comparable group childcare program.

(a) The educational units shall include courses which cover the following:

• Child Growth and Development (HD 7/PSYC 7);
• Child, Family, and Community (HD 15/SOC 15); or
• Program/Curriculum (any courses the college offers on program and curriculum)

(b) Work experience shall be verified as having been performed satisfactorily, at least three hours per day for a minimum of 50 days in a six-month period, as a paid or volunteer staff member under the supervision of a person who would qualify as a teacher or director under these regulations. (Volunteer work performed at the college Child Development Center or work performed as a teacher’s aide in other licensed childcare programs is applicable.)

2. A Children's Center Permit issued by the California Commission of Teacher Preparation and Licensing.