Requirements for ECE Teacher Certification in California
California is the third largest state in the US and some of the biggest cities in the US, comes the highest population as well. According to recent data, California currently has over 2,000 “top” private preschool programs and over 235,000 children in various preschool programs around the state. There are also at least 560 elementary school districts and a flourishing kindergarten system. If you’re multi- or bilingual, there are special programs that need your help, with California introducing more language acceptance to the classroom than ever before by integrating its cultural diversity into its teaching programs. With all this, and the option to live in whatever climate you choose, in a roaring city or the quiet countryside, being an early childhood educator never looked so good.
California Steps to Follow for Teachers
Step 1. Teacher Preparation Program/Degree
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and complete an approved California Teacher Preparation Program. The California Commission sets standards for educational institutions that prepare teachers. The approved institutions integrate the California course standards into the curriculum. Students that attend and complete programs at approved schools will have completed the Educator preparation requirements for the State of California. There are 250 approved educator preparation programs in the State of California. They include 23 California State University institutions, nine University of California institutions, and 54 private or independent schools, colleges, or universities.
In addition to the Teacher Preparation program, Elementary Teaching credential- Multisubject requires the below-listed special course requirements.
Constitution: Complete a two-semester-hour course on the US Constitution
Technology Awareness: Take a course on the foundations of technology foundations of technology, general computer skills, and specialized computer skills for educators.
Comprehensive reading instruction coursework that includes:
Phonemic awareness, basic phonics, and decoding skills
English language, literature, and reading comprehension
Early diagnostic techniques and intervention protocols
Required paths for an aspiring preschool teacher will include:
Path 1:
24 semester units of coursework in early childhood education or childhood development including Child/Human Growth and Development; Child Family, and Community or Child and Family Relations; and Programs/Curriculum and 16 General Education courses
12 units in chosen School-Age and core courses, which include
Supervised Field Experience
Possession of a CDA credential may be used as 9 semester unit credits
Path 2:
Earn an Associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or a related field
Complete 3 semester units of supervised experience
Teachers that are aspiring to be certified teachers in California need to choose what grade level they want to teach and if they want to focus on general studies or special education. There are different paths outlined by the CTC that would need to be followed.
Elementary Teachers (K-12) - Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
Secondary Teachers (Middle or High School) Single Subject Teaching Credential
Special Education Teachers – Education Specialist Instruction Credential
Child Development Requirements, Qualifications and Alternatives PDF
Step 2. Supervised Teaching Experience
Commission-approved California schools provide a teacher preparation program. Student-teaching is a key part of teacher training. The field placement lasts for a period determined by each program. The student-teaching practicum has an experienced teacher as mentor and observer. The mentor will observe and offer guidance as the student-teacher prepares lesson plans and carries out the classroom instruction, preparation, and administrative tasks.
The Commission provides an exemption from the student teaching requirement for applicants that have a significant amount of documented private teaching experience. For example, students with prior experience in the Peace Corps, Head Start, or Tribal Nation programs may apply for relief from the requirements and acceptance of prior experience. The Commission can consider these requests on a case-by-case basis.
For those wishing to teach preschoolers, this will be the 3 required semester units of supervised experience previously mentioned in Path 1 & 2 above. The experience requirement to earn your Child Development Teacher Permit is 175 days of 3+ hours, within four years.
Step 3. Apply for Your Permit & Testing
The next step is to apply for licensure. However, there are a few more things you’ll have to do first.
Testing
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing examination rules requires that each candidate must pass the basic skills tests. For Early Childhood specialized teachers, the applicants must pass the below-listed tests.
The California Subject Examinations for Teachers Multiple Subjects Plus Writing Skills Examination (CSET) with a scaled score of 220 or better.
Content area testing Subtest I, covering subjects in Reading, Language, Literature, History, and Social Science with a score of 220.
Subtest II content area in Science and Mathematics with a score of 220
Subtest III with a score of 220 consisting of Physical Education, Human Development, Visual Media, and Performing Arts.
The Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA).
Find Additional Testing information for the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing here.\
“Testing guides and registration information can be found from Evaluation Systems Pearson using the links below regarding the following examinations:
CBEST: California Basic Educational Skills Test
CTEL: Crosscultural, Language and Academic Development (CLAD) Certificate/English Learner Authorization
CSET: California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET), including the CSET: World Languages for the Bilingual Authorization, Preliminary Educational Technology Test, and the Writing Skills Test *
* The CSET: Writing Skills Test must be passed in conjunction with all three subtests of the CSET: Multiple Subjects Examination to satisfy the basic skills requirement
RICA: Reading Instruction Competence Assessment – Written Test; Video Test
CPACE: California Preliminary Administrative Credential Examination
Speech-Language Pathology: Test registration information and more can be found from Educational Testing Service using the link below:
PRAXIS II: Speech-Language Pathology”
Preschool Teachers:
For Preschool teachers who are applying for their Child Development Permit, there are six levels to which they can apply: Assistant, Associate Teacher, Teacher, Master Teacher, Site Supervisor, and Program Director. If you want to lead your own classroom, you’ll want to apply for the Child Development Teacher Permit. All previously mentioned requirements will support your application for this permit.
Personal Fitness
Teaching at the early childhood level requires entrustment of tender and vulnerable children to the control and care of a teacher. The State of California performs certain investigations as a safeguard. Applicants for teaching credentials must submit to a criminal background check and some investigation of their fitness for teaching.
Paths to Certification
The commission provides several paths to certified teacher status. Elementary teachers must qualify by education and then apply for a Multiple Subject teaching credential. The initial level of approval is the Preliminary Teaching Credential.
- Preliminary Teaching Credential is a five-year license that requires completion of continuing education prior to renewal as a Clear Credential. During the five-year preliminary license, teachers must qualify for a permanent or Clear Credential.
Traditional Paths to Teacher Status
The traditional track students must complete university coursework, and the CTC required coursework, a period of clinical practice, and student-teaching assignment in a public school.
Alternative Paths to Teacher Status
Bachelor degree holders with degrees in non-education fields can qualify to work as teachers in California through alternative paths to teacher status. Teachers with experience can use the intern option in which they can substitute student-teaching with a student-developed internship that provides for teaching in the birth through age five age range at least 60% of the time.
City Variations
There are specific requirements for school districts and major localities in California and students and graduates should review requirements for the regions, districts, and cities in which they may seek work. The major California school districts have some steps that students and potential teachers should consider for jobs in or near Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Jose.
State of California CTC Apply for Child Development Permits
Step 4. Maintain Permit and Upgrade
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) sets requirements for teachers in California. Early Childhood Education requires an Elementary Teaching Credential with a Multiple Subject endorsement. The Preliminary Credential is the first step for new applicants. This first stage credential is valid for a five-year period.
Permanent License- Getting a Clear California Teaching Credential
During the five-year period of the Initial Preliminary teaching Credential, Teachers must obtain a Clear Credential. Teachers can qualify by completing an approved General Education and Induction Program at an approved institution. This coursework covers technology, teaching English learners, special populations, and health. An alternative is to gain certification in an Early Childhood Education specialization from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Applicants must meet their specific experience and education requirements.
Preschool Permits
Preschool Educators with the Teacher Permit will have five years before they need to renew. During those five years, you will need to complete 105 hours of professional growth courses. This will allow you to renew the permit at the same level.
If you wish to upgrade to the Master Teacher permit, you may do so at the end of five years as long as you have completed all requirements. If you complete the requirements for a higher-level permit within 3 years of the issuance of your Teacher Permit, then you may submit verification, the higher-level permit application, and half of the normal application fee. This will allow you to upgrade to your new permit level right away. This is true for each successively higher permit; Master Teacher, Site Supervisor, and Program Director.
Popular Career Choices
Preschool Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Accredited California Programs
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing sets standards for teacher education, licensing, and credentials. The commission approves schools and colleges to provide educator preparation coursework. Completion of the educator preparation program qualifies the student to teach or provide educational services in California public schools.
Accreditation is an essential part of the choice of post-secondary teacher preparation program in California. Students must complete an accredited program to qualify for a teaching credential. California schools have several strong accreditation agencies. Early Childhood Education programs in California have regional and programmatic accreditation.
The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) provide programmatic accreditation. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) grants regional accreditation for the California University and State college system. There are a few instances of national accreditation for selected associate programs and bachelor’s programs from NAEYC.
Five Leading California Early Childhood Education Programs
San Diego State University
The San Diego State University, College of Education, Department of Child and Family Development offers the interdisciplinary child development major. With this major, students can choose to specialize in child development or family development.
Degrees Offered:
Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts for Elementary school teachers
Bachelor’s degree in Early Child and Family Development
Master’s degree in Early Child and Family Development
Bachelor’s degree in School Counseling and Guidance Services
Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction
Accreditation By: The San Diego State University had institutional accreditation from the WASC and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission. SDSU Teacher Education Department has specialized accreditation from the CAEP.
California State University at Bakersfield
The teaching major prepares students for roles as classroom teachers for a specific age group. The school offers a state-approved program for a Bachelor’s degree in teaching. Students can focus on teaching age-specific levels that range from adult education to early childhood. The curriculum includes the integration of technology into classroom teaching.
Degrees Offered:
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Teaching
Master’s degree in School Counseling and Guidance Services
Master’s degree in General Education
Accreditation By: The WASC accredits the entire institution. California State at Bakersfield has regional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission. The Teacher Education Department programs have specialized accreditation from the NCATE.
California State University at Fresno
Fresno has the unique beauty of Yosemite National Park and the status of California’s only NAEYC-accredited education program. The Kremen School of Education has a long-distinguished history of producing leaders in the field of Education. Fresno offers the complete range of courses for California early childhood education including certification and teaching credential coursework.
The Kremen School accepts the challenge of preparing graduates for a linguistically and culturally diverse population in California and elsewhere. There is an emphasis on ethics and leadership.
Degrees Offered:
Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies
Master’s degree in Education
Master’s degree in Special Education
Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership
Master’s degree in School Counseling and Guidance Services
Master’s degree in Reading Teacher Education
Accreditation By: The specialized accreditation agency National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the specialized early childhood education accreditation agency -National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Cal State Chico has regional accreditation of the University by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Loyola Marymount University | Los Angeles
The Center for Undergraduate Teacher Preparation (CUTP) provides matriculation support through the California certification for licensure. The Elementary education program offers a combined multiple subjects Preliminary Teaching Credential and an MA degree in Educational studies.
Degrees Offered:
Master’s degree in Elementary Education and Teaching
Certificate in Educational Studies
Master’s degree in Educational Studies
Master’s degree in Bilingual and Multilingual Education
Master’s degree in School Counseling and Guidance Services
Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education & Teaching
Master’s, Doctoral, and post-grad certification in Educational Leadership & Administration
Master’s degree in Special Education & Teaching
Accreditation By: The WASC awarded Institutional accreditation for LMU/LA, and the NCATE accredited the Education programs with specialized accreditation for teacher education.
California State University at Chico
Chico prepares students for careers in early education teaching. The curriculum prepares graduates for working with young children and their families and for roles in the classroom, administration, and advocacy for early childhood education. Chico education majors benefit from the opportunity to work with preschoolers. Chico offers the Associated Students Child Development Laboratory (ASCDL). Students can obtain internships or practice placements with more than 40 social service agencies allowing them to easily complete the 250-hour supervised internship requirement.
Degrees Offered:
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education & Teaching
Master’s degree in General Education
Accreditation By: Cal State Chico has regional accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Programmatic accreditation is provided for the Education department by NCATE.
A variety of The golden state trainers furthermore share understandings along with details by means of their individual blog site sites. Day care center Crayons is made up by a preschool educator of 25 years that shares a range of useful resources for early childhood teachers. First High Quality The Golden State Layout is created by an initial grade instructor that loves sharing her fascinating daily tales in addition to amazing classroom experiences.
Preschool instructors take care of youngsters in between 3 as well as 5 that have actually not entered preschool. The preschool education and learning and finding out concentrates on electric motor skills, psychological advancement, social abilities and also language growth. The teacher makes use of an option of tools such as music, publications, games and also computer systems to instruct youngsters in this age. In California, preschool trainers require a Child Development Instructor Permit to operate in the state.
Furthermore, the educator ought to have 16 term devices in standard education and learning as well as finding out training courses as well as a minimum of 525 hrs working in a childcare facility within the last 4 years. Preschool educators can satisfy the requirements for state licensure as well with an associate level in early childhood education or child development with a minimum of three term tools in really early youth education or experience in the area under the advice of a recognized provider.
If relevant, xeroxes of 2 yearly efficiency evaluationsIf appropriate, a xerox of your National Board Certification Sending your application package using a making use of area or with an Area Work Environment of Education and learning can supply far much better service in addition to understanding of the credentialing demands in The gold state. If you meet the eligibility and likewise fingerprint needs for the credential or authorization, the San Diego Region Workplace of Education and learning and also learning has the ability to launch you a Short-term Area Certification (TCC) with which to look for work while your application is being processed at the Compensation on Instructor Credentialing (CTC).
This does not connect to the Qualification of Clearance costs. Following is a listing of the most regularly asked for credential kinds along with web links to the coordinating CTC brochure clarifying completely the credentials needed to utilize. Please examine the suitable CTC interesting leaflet consisting of comprehensive application needs. A full listing of all credential kinds as well as brochures can be discovered at the Compensation's website.
Becoming a teacher in California is an ideal job and a rewarding career choice. However, there are some key differences between a school teacher in California and a teacher employed in other states. Some positions require additional licensing, and some can be easily accomplished through a career program.
Working as a special education teacher at an elementary school in California requires certain specialized educational requirements to qualify. An individual who is certified by the Department of Education as an effective teacher of children in special needs should not hesitate to apply for this position. In addition, there are specific state-specific classroom training credentials to consider. For example, there is a National Certificate in Special Education. If you want to teach at a school that is located in a district that does not require a specialized license, this certification is not required.
On the other hand, if you are an individual who has an advanced degree in education, the responsibilities of being a teacher may be overwhelming. If you are interested in becoming a teacher in California and want a more stable career, then becoming a school teacher might be better suited for you. The salary paid to these types of teachers is typically higher. Most of the time, teachers employed in schools in California are required to hold a bachelor's degree, but many who have earned a master's degree or doctorate degree in education can also find employment as part-time or full-time teachers.
A teacher who wants to teach in California must have an Associate's Degree in Education from an accredited institution. Teachers who earn higher degrees in Education often receive a higher salary and more opportunities for advancement. Also, California's teacher licensing requirements require a teacher to possess a Master's Degree in Education before he or she can become eligible for teaching positions.
If you want to become a teacher in California, you can look into your local Department of Education for classes in teacher licensing. As long as you are a member of the California State Teachers Association, you can submit your application directly to the Department of Education, which will determine whether or not you meet the requirements for becoming a teacher in the state.
Once you meet the required requirements, you will have to complete a teaching credentialing program. It is recommended that you enroll in such a program as soon as possible so you can become licensed as soon as possible. Once you are licensed, you will have to fulfill all of the state's Department of Education's licensing requirements including a classroom test, a written oral exam, a background examination, clinical skills and knowledge evaluation, a final examination and a physical examination.
After completing all the requirements, you will be required to complete a teacher continuing education requirement every three years. This requirement requires you to take one or more continuing education courses that cover the subjects you taught in the previous year. The first year that you can teach in your new position will typically include classroom experience that allows you to learn about the subject matter and develop your teaching skills. You will be required to review and analyze your classroom strategies in order to improve on your knowledge and skills.
Once you have met the requirements of the State of California, you will then need to pass the State Licensing Examination for Teachers. You will need to complete this test after you have completed your certification requirement. You will be required to sit the examination two times and pass it within three attempts in order to pass the exam. If you pass, you can become a certified teacher in California.
Career Options and Salary Info for Teachers
Public Schools –
Public schools employ more than 350,000 teachers in California according to the California Department of Education (CalEdFacts). The requirements include a bachelor’s degree, experience, and completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program.
Private Childcare or Daycare –
Private childcare is a combination of Early Childhood Education and childcare. Teachers can qualify for this type of work with a range of credentials and experience.
Private Childcare Employs –
Private childcare employs Teaching Aides, Teaching Assistants, and Preschool Teachers.
Private Schools –
Private schools hire thousands of teachers in California. Many schools offer opportunities for teachers without credentials to gain experience under the supervision of a licensed teacher. This valuable experience can help a student qualify for a preliminary teaching credential.
Head Start Programs –
Head Start programs are collaborations between the State of California and the Department of Health and Human Services. The program intends to provide developmental education for low-income families with children aged birth to five. These community-based services employ Teacher Aides, Teacher Assistants, and Lead Teachers.
Community-based programs –
Community-based programs provide childcare and early childhood education opportunities for local families. These centers are often sponsored by public interest and civic organizations. In California, they can be licensed or unlicensed and the nature of the program may depend on that difference. Licensed childcare may have higher levels of staffing and more teachers with experience and educational qualifications. Licensed facilities have an interest in providing the best possible care and learning environment, and the use of qualified and certified teachers is an essential step towards quality care and education.
Faith-based programs –
Faith-based programs typically have a church affiliation or religious sponsorship. Teachers must balance education objectives and the teachings of the faith-based sponsor.
Military programs –
Military programs for childcare and early development have accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children or NAEYC. The high standards require high-quality teaching components to the military child care environments.