Why a PK-3 credential?
The PK-3 ECEC program enables you to teach grades preschool
through 3rd grades. However, candidates who select
this program will be best prepared with pedagogy and practice for
developmentally educating 3 through (about) 9-year-old children.
Our program pulls together the best knowledge of child
development and teacher education.
Should I apply to the PK-3 Credential or the Multiple Subject
Program?
If you desire the range of PK, TK, or K, and you have, or plan to
have, at least 24 units of child development coursework,
the PK-3 program is for you. If you plan for the upper elementary
grades, and desire wider range of content preparation, MSCP
is for you.
How long does it take to complete the program?
Currently, we are a 1 year program, taken as a cohort model. At
this time, part-time coursework is not available.
Do you offer any online classes?
Most will be in person or hybrid. However, coursework in
semester 2 when student teaching takes place, coursework will
likely be online.
Can I complete the 24 units required for Subject Matter while
starting the PK-3 credential courses?
At this time, the SMC of at least 24 units is a prerequisite
before starting the program.
Will the CBEST or CSET be required for admission?
Nope! These are not required for Pk-3
Will I be able to continue working while completing this program?
It’s possible, yes. Classes will start after 430.
However, be mindful being late or absent from class sessions
(even if you are a teacher) are not “excused”. Most
credential students work or substitute teach and successfully
manage the requirements.
How do I meet Subject Matter for this program?
24 units of child development and/or Early Childhood Education
units, or a successful undergraduate degree in either
Do I need to have a bachelor’s degree for this program? If so,
does it need to be in Liberal Studies or Child Development?
A bachelor’s degree is required in Child Development, Early
Childhood Education, or a similar field. Or, any major area with
24 units in Child Development, Early Childhood
Education, (or similar). At this time, if you choose
Liberal Studies with a concentration in Child Development-
you will need to take additional coursework to satisfy the 24
unit requirement.
If I teach in a preschool setting, would I be able to complete my
clinical practice in my own classroom?
To satisfy requirements for the PK-3 ECEC program, there are two
required placements. Pk/tk and k-3. For teachers of record,
it’s possible to get that placement/hours waived.
Can I still teach Pk-3 grades with a Multiple Subject Credential?
Not pk, but yes (for now) tk if you satisfy the 24 units of child
development.
Will I need a Pk-3 credential in the future if I want to teach
the younger grade levels?
That’s uncertain if that will be a requirement.
However, you would be better pedagogically equipped to
teach Early Childhood grades.
Is there an option to do the Early Childhood Credential and the
Multiple Subject Credential at the same time?
Not at this time
Does the Early Childhood Credential offer an intern pathway?
Yes, we are approved for the intern pathway
I was accepted into the Multiple Subject Program but now I want
to complete the PK-3 credential. Can my file me transferred to
the PK-3 program?
You would run that by credentials office for guidance aand
eligibility and by the PK-3 coordinator for approval- but yes its
possible.
Do my Child Development courses count toward the 24 units?
Yes
Do I have to complete Early Field Experience hours before
applying to the program?
Yes – 50 hours
If I change my mind while in the ECE program and want to do MSCP
instead because of more job opportunities, can I?
You would run that by credentials office for guidance and
eligibility and by the PK-3 coordinator for approval- but yes its
possible. Be mindful the coursework would not be accepted as
course equivalent
What is the duration of the ECEC program in comparison to the
other programs? Is it longer or shorter?
About the same!
