Credentials to work with Children
California requires teachers to demonstrate that they have earned college degrees and have experience in the classroom in order to become a credentialed teacher. Briefly, the requirements include:
- A thorough background check including FBI and Child Abuse Index.
- Education (The level required depends upon the credential sought).
- Experience ( Again, depends upon the credential sought).
Depending upon the age group and setting you want to work in, you will likely need either a Child Development Permit (children ages 0-5) or a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (elementary school, including Transitional Kindergarten). View the table below to understand what is required of each.
| Requirements: | Child Development Permit | Multiple Subject Teaching Credential |
|---|---|---|
| Education | First level begins with 12 units of Early Childhood Education- highest level requires Bachelor's Degree | Bachelor's Degree plus "5th" year credential program. ( 5 years of college work) . There are several exams you will also have to pass. |
| Experience | First level requires 50 days of experience | Credential program requires 1 year of student teaching. "Clear" credential requires two years of teaching after earning a preliminary credential. |
| Grades/Accreditation | All course work must be passed with a grade of C or better at an accredited institution of higher education. | All course work must be passed with a grade of C or better at an accredited institution of higher education. Credential courses must be taken at a Commission approved teacher preparation program. |
Both credentials are obtained by applying to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Links to an external site.
If you would like to earn the Multiple Subject Credential. It is best to visit the Transfer Center and to find the program you would like to transfer to as early as possible. There are many excellent programs Links to an external site. all over California.
If you want to work with children ages 0-5 in a child development program, you will need a Child Development Permit. Links to an external site.
There are many levels of the permit, it is best to get your permit early while you are finishing your certificate or degree. Your first goal should be the Associate Teacher Permit.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE TEACHER PERMIT
Authorization
A Child Development Associate Teacher Permit authorizes the holder to provide service in the care,
development, and instruction of children in a child care and development program, and supervise an
assistant, and an aide.
Requirements for the Child Development Associate Teacher Permit
To qualify for the Child Development Associate Teacher Permit, individuals must satisfy all of the
requirements listed in one of the following options:
Option 1
- Complete a minimum of 12 semester units of course work in early childhood education or child
development (excluding field work), including at least one course of at least three semester units in each
of the following core areas:- Child/human growth and development
- Child, family, and community, or child and family relations
- Programs/curriculum
- Complete at least 50 days of experience in an instructional capacity in a child care and development
program, working at least three hours per day within the last two years. This experience must be
verified by submitting an original letter from the employer on official letterhead.