PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE)
Specialist Instruction Credential
Background
The PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential focuses on developmentally appropriate practices for young children in grades PK through 3. PK-3 teachers are expected to design, implement, and facilitate learning activities throughout this grade span which engage students according to their developmental levels.
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.
NOTE: The Commission is excited to announce that on February 7, 2024, the Office of Administrative Law approved the regulations for the PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential. The regulations become effective April 1, 2024. At this time, the Professional Services Division will continue to receive and review program proposals for new PK-3 ECE programs. All PK-3 ECE programs must have approval by the Committee on Accreditation (COA) at an open public meeting prior to commencing operation.
*Taken from PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instructional Credential CTC webpage and subject to change.
This website will provide updates on approval of the LACOE District Intern PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential program proposal.
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.
NOTE: The Commission is excited to announce that on February 7, 2024, the Office of Administrative Law approved the regulations for the PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential. The regulations become effective April 1, 2024. At this time, the Professional Services Division will continue to receive and review program proposals for new PK-3 ECE programs. All PK-3 ECE programs must have approval by the Committee on Accreditation (COA) at an open public meeting prior to commencing operation.
*Taken from PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instructional Credential CTC webpage and subject to change.
This website will provide updates on approval of the LACOE District Intern PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential program proposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Beginning Teacher Programs (BTP) offer the PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction credential?
The PK-3 ECE credential regulatory packet was approved and will become effective April 1, 2024. LACOE BTP is in the process to add a PK-3 ECE District Intern pathway.
When will the LACOE BTP PK-3 ECE Intern credential program begin?
LACOE BTP is in the process to add a PK-3 ECE District Intern pathway. Program proposals will be reviewed and approved by CTC beginning after April 1, 2024. Candidate applications will be accepted after LACOE BTP is an approved provider of the PK-3 ECE District Intern pathway. Each year, the enrollment deadline for all LACOE BTP District Intern credential pathways is August 31. The PK-3 ECE Specialist Instruction Intern Certificate will be valid for a period of 2 years.
When will LACOE BTP host information meetings?
LACOE BTP is in the process to add a PK-3 ECE District Intern pathway. Information meetings will be hosted after LACOE BTP is an approved provider of the PK-3 ECE District Intern pathway.
What is apportionment?
Apportionment is a requirement in education code that must be met for employers to receive funding for students enrolled in transitional kindergarten. Ed Code 48000 (g) states, "As a condition of receipt of apportionment for pupils in a transitional kindergarten program pursuant to Section 46300, a school district or charter school shall do all of the following:
(4) Ensure that credentialed teachers who are first assigned to a transitional kindergarten classroom after July 1, 2015, have, by August 1, 2023, one of the following:
(A) At least 24 units in early childhood education, or childhood development, or both.
(B) As determined and documented by the local educational agency employing the teacher, professional experience in a classroom setting with preschool age children meeting the criteria established by the governing board or body of the local educational agency that is comparable to the 24 units of education described in subparagraph (A).
(C) A child development teacher permit, or an early childhood education specialist credential, issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing."
What is the difference between requirements for apportionment and credentialing?
Apportionment: for districts to receive per pupil funding for students enrolled in transitional kindergarten, assigned teachers must have at least 24 units in early childhood education, professional experience comparable to the 24 units, or a child development teacher permit (as stated in Ed Code 480004g).
Credentialing: to earn the PK-3 ECE credential, candidates must: have a Bachelor's Degree, have 24 units in child development (or a BA in child development), complete a credential preparation program, pass TPA, pass RICA.
Additional information about the PK-3 credential can be found at this 'Responses to Questions at the June 3, 2022, QCC Higher Education Meeting CTC' Document.
The PK-3 ECE credential regulatory packet was approved and will become effective April 1, 2024. LACOE BTP is in the process to add a PK-3 ECE District Intern pathway.
When will the LACOE BTP PK-3 ECE Intern credential program begin?
LACOE BTP is in the process to add a PK-3 ECE District Intern pathway. Program proposals will be reviewed and approved by CTC beginning after April 1, 2024. Candidate applications will be accepted after LACOE BTP is an approved provider of the PK-3 ECE District Intern pathway. Each year, the enrollment deadline for all LACOE BTP District Intern credential pathways is August 31. The PK-3 ECE Specialist Instruction Intern Certificate will be valid for a period of 2 years.
When will LACOE BTP host information meetings?
LACOE BTP is in the process to add a PK-3 ECE District Intern pathway. Information meetings will be hosted after LACOE BTP is an approved provider of the PK-3 ECE District Intern pathway.
What is apportionment?
Apportionment is a requirement in education code that must be met for employers to receive funding for students enrolled in transitional kindergarten. Ed Code 48000 (g) states, "As a condition of receipt of apportionment for pupils in a transitional kindergarten program pursuant to Section 46300, a school district or charter school shall do all of the following:
(4) Ensure that credentialed teachers who are first assigned to a transitional kindergarten classroom after July 1, 2015, have, by August 1, 2023, one of the following:
(A) At least 24 units in early childhood education, or childhood development, or both.
(B) As determined and documented by the local educational agency employing the teacher, professional experience in a classroom setting with preschool age children meeting the criteria established by the governing board or body of the local educational agency that is comparable to the 24 units of education described in subparagraph (A).
(C) A child development teacher permit, or an early childhood education specialist credential, issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing."
What is the difference between requirements for apportionment and credentialing?
Apportionment: for districts to receive per pupil funding for students enrolled in transitional kindergarten, assigned teachers must have at least 24 units in early childhood education, professional experience comparable to the 24 units, or a child development teacher permit (as stated in Ed Code 480004g).
Credentialing: to earn the PK-3 ECE credential, candidates must: have a Bachelor's Degree, have 24 units in child development (or a BA in child development), complete a credential preparation program, pass TPA, pass RICA.
Additional information about the PK-3 credential can be found at this 'Responses to Questions at the June 3, 2022, QCC Higher Education Meeting CTC' Document.
Email Update Sign Up
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The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Beginning Teacher Programs is following the developments of the PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Credential through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). To be added to the LACOE BTP PK-3 Update Email List and receive notifications of changes as they are available, please complete the form linked HERE.
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AnnMarie Smith
District Intern Instructor, Supervisor, & PK-3 Coordinator
(562) 940-1868
[email protected]
District Intern Instructor, Supervisor, & PK-3 Coordinator
(562) 940-1868
[email protected]