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