This fall, in response to the demand for transitional kindergarten teachers, Irvine Valley College (IVC) will begin offering a convenient pathway for multi-subject credentialed teachers to earn the state-required 24 early education units to teach Transitional Kindergarten (TK).
“IVC is excited to offer this pathway that will allow teachers to complete eight courses in two semesters,” said Professor Donna King, chair of IVC’s Human Development Department. “IVC’s curriculum offers support for both experienced teachers looking for a change or new educators fresh out of school looking to develop their knowledge and expertise in working with young children,” added King. “We are committed to an environment that paves the way for successful outcomes for young learners.”
The growing need for TK teachers is the result of Assembly Bill 130, signed in 2021 by Gov. Gavin Newsom, which is gradually expanding TK over a four-year period. This legislation requires any school district operating a kindergarten to also provide a TK program for all children who turn 4 years old by Sept. 1 of the 2025-26 school year. With more than 300,000 students expected to enroll in TK, school districts will need to hire up to 15,600 additional lead TK teachers by 2025-26 to meet the demand, according to the Learning Policy Institute.
To date, per the California Department of Education, TK teachers are required to have a multiple-subject teaching credential, the same credential teachers need for all the elementary grades. In addition to their credential, TK teachers need to complete 24 units of early childhood education coursework or the equivalent, as deemed by their employer. For more information about the 24-unit TK pathway at IVC, email Donna King or call 949-451-5617.