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The Child Development Permit is a document that authorizes service in the care, development, and instruction of children in a publicly-funded child care and development program. It verifies that you have fulfilled the requirements established by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) in the State of California. You must have a permit to be eligible for childcare and development teaching or administration positions funded by California Department of Education/Child Development Division, Headstart, County of Orange, or individual cities.

Permit Details

The State of California offers Child Development Permits at six levels. Individuals may advance from one level of the permit matrix to another by completing the necessary education and experience requirements. Below are the six permits, please refer to the Child Development Permit matrix for specific course requirements for advancement.

  • Child Development Assistant Permit
  • Child Development Associate Teacher Permit
  • Child Development Teacher Permit
  • Child Development Master Teacher Permit
  • Child Development Site Supervisor Permit
  • Child Development ​Program Director Permit

Preschool teachers, childcare providers, and after-school program staff support and educate children aged 0-13 in various settings, including childcare centers, nursery schools, preschools, public schools, community programs, and family childcare homes. They create activities that promote the children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development. Additionally, they assist children in discovering their interests, nurturing their talents and independence, enhancing their self-esteem, and learning to interact positively with others.

Each State has its own licensing requirements that regulate caregiver training, ranging from a high school diploma, community college courses, or a college degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education; however, most State requirements are minimal. Formal education requirements in some private preschools and childcare centers are often lower than in public programs since they are not bound by State requirements.

The School Age Emphasis Authorization may be added to any level Child Development Permit and authorizes the holder to provide services in the care, development, and instruction of children in before-school, after-school, and other school-age child care programs.

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