PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential

PK-3 ECE Specialist Instruction Credential Program prepares candidates to teach in preschool through grade 3.  The program prepares candidates to collaborate with professionals for diversity, equity, and inclusion and to meet the individual needs of all children and families. This program incorporates cutting-edge educational theories, innovative and effective teaching practices, and guided field experiences in culturally and linguistically diverse schools.  The program’s coursework and teaching placements guide and support candidates to develop culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate, and inquiry-based instruction to meet learning standards and promote social justice and equity for children and their families.

Two post-baccalaureate pathways are offered (traditional student teaching and intern) in a hybrid modality, in which one-third of the content is delivered online and two-thirds face-to-face on the SFSU campus. Candidates will complete a one-year summer start sequence of coursework and clinical practice, which are aligned to the Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs) and will be assessed in fieldwork evaluations and CalTPA Cycles I and II.  Candidates receive ongoing support during their program through academic advising and seminars designed to enhance clinical practice and prepare for the CalTPA.

Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education

Twelve units of the PK-3 ECE Specialist Instruction Credential Program can be applied for application to the Department of Elementary Education’s Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education.  

Bilingual Authorization

Candidates in the PK-3 ECE Specialist Instruction Credential Program can also apply for Bilingual Authorization, which allows bilingual-biliterate candidates to obtain an additional authorization to teach in a bilingual classroom setting from preschool through grade 3. Candidates must demonstrate listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency in the focus language (Cantonese, Mandarin, or Spanish).

1. A candidate must show evidence of completion of the Basic Skills requirement, Subject Matter Competency, and U.S. Constitution requirement;
2. A school district must offer the candidate a teaching position at an elementary school site;
3. A candidate must apply and be admitted to an accredited credential program;
4. The candidate must complete 120 credit hours of credential coursework (equivalent to three 3-unit classes)

Once these conditions are met, the candidate must submit an application for the intern teaching permit to the Department of Elementary Education Intern Coordinator, who will review for approvals. The Graduate College of Education Credential Analyst will then authorize the permit.

*Note: Interns work at a slower coursework pace while in the credential program to permit full time employment

Admissions Requirements

• Apply through Cal State Apply (https://www.calstate.edu/apply)
• Undergraduate Degree with a major in one of those following:
  • Child Development  
  • Child and Adolescent Development 
  • Human Development 
  • Early Childhood Education 
  • Child and Family Studies
  • Early Childhood Studies 
  • Human Development and Family Science 
  • Family Science 
  • Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies  

     OR

• Completion of 24-semester units (or quarter units) at a regionally accredited institution or higher education in ECE and/or child development.
• Transcripts
  • Upload one unofficial set of transcripts from every college or university attended to the SF State Graduate Admissions. Official transcripts will be required for admitted students. If you have previously attended SF State, you may not need to send official transcripts. Please check with Graduate Admissions regarding their policies.
• Program GPA Requirements
  • Credential only program: GPA: 2.50 overall or 2.75 in the last 60 semester units or 90 quarter units
• Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
  • Upload an essay 500-750 words in length. Here are prompts for the statement:
    • Why would you like to be a PK-3 teacher in a public school?
    • What experiences have prepared you to teach in a racially and linguistically diverse, urban setting?
    • What personal qualities do you possess and what experiences have you had that prepared you to work in a collaborative environment such as an elementary school or cohort in the PK-3 ECE Specialist Credential program?
• Two Letters of Recommendation
  • The letters can be written by a university instructor and/or a work supervisor; both need to be on official letterhead.
• Applicants must show proof of completion of 30 hours of early field experience in one or more PK/TK, and/or K-3 public school settings.

• Processing fee: $25 non-refundable program application fee

  • Please pay this fee online via CashNet: https://commerce.cashnet.com/cashneti/static/storefront/CGSC_ADM/catalog
    Cashnet charges a 2.75% nonrefundable fee for all debit/credit card transactions. Upload proof of payment on Cal State Apply.
• Certificate of Clearance (COC)
  • Applicants must complete fingerprinting specific to the Certificate of Clearance in order to be admitted to a credential program. Other proof of fingerprint clearance cannot be substituted. See instructions for COC application here:https://gcoe.sfsu.edu/sites/default/files/documents/Certificate_of_Clearance_Instructions_2018.pdf
  • Upload one of the following:
    • Proof that you have obtained your COC from the California Teaching Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CTC)
    • Proof that you have applied for the COC (upload copy of completed COC application showing completion of LiveScan). * We can begin application review, but we cannot make a final admission decision until we have received proof that you have obtained, not just applied for, the COC.
  • Acceptable documentation in lieu of a Certificate of Clearance (COC):
    • Valid credentials or permits issued by the CTC, including substitute, short-term staff permits, Child Development permits. Submit a printout from the CTC website.

FOR International Applicants or Anyone whose bachelor’s degree from outside of the US

• English Test Requirements:
  • If you are an international student or if you have a bachelor’s degree from outside the United States, please contact the Graduate Admission directly. There may be additional requirements for admission, such as the English Test Requirements, etc.
• Foreign Transcript Evaluation
  • Applicants who earned their degrees from a foreign country must have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a state approved agency. Visit the CTC website for a list of approved agencies: https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/foreign-transcript-evaluation-(cl-635)