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​This credential authorizes a person to teach young children in preschool through 3rd grade. PK-3 teachers are equipped with knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for young children and are expected to design, implement, and facilitate learning activities throughout this grade span which engage students according to their developmental levels. Classroom learning activities need to take into consideration and value each child’s cognitive, social, emotional, linguistic, and cultural experiences, and other relevant background characteristics, assets and abilities as well as any area(s) of special needs. Developmentally appropriate practices foster young children’s joyful learning and help maximize the opportunities for all children to achieve their full potential. This credential recognizes and values the rich background and extensive experience candidates who come from current and/or prior work in the ECE field bring to their preparation programs. Taken together, these prior work experiences, knowledge and wisdom can provide foundational preparation in child development and early childhood education to support candidates’ transition from the Child Development Permit system to earning the PK-3 ECE Specialist Instruction Credential and serving as a teacher in a PK-3 ECE classroom setting.

Credential Details

This credential authorizes the holder to teach all subjects in a self-contained general education classroom setting and to team teach or to regroup students across classrooms, in preschool through grade three. The English learner (EL) authorization provided through this credential aligns with the EL authorization that is earned upon completion of a Single, Multiple, or Education Specialist teaching credential program.

Education: A bachelor’s degree or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

Subject Matter Competence: Can be met one of the following ways:

  • Complete a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a discipline aligned with the credential. For PK-3 ECE, a degree major in the one of the following fields meets this requirement:
    • Child Development
    • Child and Adolescent Development
    • Human Development
    • Early Childhood Education
    • Child and Family Studies
    • Family Science
    • Human Development and Family Science
    • Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies
  • Complete a bachelor’s degree in any subject area including 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.

Provisions and Principles of the U.S. Constitution: Complete a U.S. Constitution course (PS 1 at Irvine Valley College) with a “C” or better or by equivalent exam. 

Teacher Preparation Program: Complete a multiple subject teacher preparation program, including student teaching, approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Upon completion, obtain a formal recommendation for the credential by the program sponsor. For more information and to search for a Commission-Approved Educator Preparation Program, visit www.ctc.ca.gov. 

Character and Identification Clearance: Submit the appropriate paperwork along with fingerprints to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). 

NOTE: As of June 2024, the Basic Skills Requirement for the Multiple Subject Credential will be met by completion of a bachelor’s degree.

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