Units required for the credential: 45-46
Program Description
The PK-3 Early Childhood Education Instruction Specialist Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach all subjects in Pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade classrooms, primarily housed in elementary schools. This credential embeds the English Learner Authorization (ELA), which prepares candidates to work with second language learners. The teacher preparation coursework focuses on preparing effective teachers for the youngest learners and those transitioning into intermediate grades (PreK-3rd), in urban settings. Becoming an effective teacher for an urban classroom, including a foundation in social justice and equity, is the focus of all activities, tasks, and learning. Further, the program emphasizes developmentally appropriate practices across the curriculum and in the clinical experience. The candidates complete a program that requires full-time student status, with field experience and student teaching requirements in Sacramento Area districts as well as full-time coursework requirements. The PK-3 ECE Instruction Specialist program is hybrid: blend of in-person courses and online courses.
At successful completion of all program requirements, the student can be recommended to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing for the Credential.
Bilingual Authorization (BA)
The BA is a specialized authorization that authorizes the credential holder to provide instruction in the primary language to candidates with limited English proficiency. This option is available concurrently for all program candidates with oral and written fluency as well as cultural/historical knowledge of the target group (currently approved languages include Spanish or Hmong; other languages are in the process of being approved). Candidates can complete additional requirements to add the Bilingual Authorization in Spanish or Hmong. For additional information on the BA option, contact the College of Education Equity Coordinator for an advising appointment to review your transcripts.
Admission Requirements
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) establishes admissions requirements for all preliminary teaching credential programs and the CSU Chancellor's Office further specifies admissions requirements. The requirements listed below are subject to change, based on actions of these two governing bodies. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the Academic and Program Services Office in Eureka Hall 401, (916) 278-6639, an advisor in the Student Success Center, or the program website for the most current admissions requirements.
Program Admission Requirements
1. A Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university; students who obtained a bachelor’s degree outside of the US must follow the direction on the Applicants with Foreign Documents website.
2. Minimum of 45 hours of experience related to working with children or youth in a K-12 classroom or equivalent is recommended.
3. Submit two references: one from a person who has observed the applicant’s academic competence (current or former instructor) and the other from a person who has observed the applicant working with children or youth. NOTE: References from family members will not be accepted.
4. Submit a graduate writing sample.
5. Satisfy the Subject Matter Competence requirement. For more detailed information, visit the CTC website. Examples of ways to demonstrate subject matter competence: take and pass all subtests of any Single Subject CSET examination, complete a subject matter program, complete an approved undergraduate major as detailed on the CTC website, earn a grade of C- or higher in specific college or university courses that cover the required subject matter, or mix and match CSET subtests with coursework as detailed on the Teaching Credentials Application webpage.
6. Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.5 overall or 2.75 in last 60 semester or 90 quarter units as evidenced from official transcripts from every college/university attended.
7. Complete Credential Prerequisite Courses : EDUC 170, EDUC 100,PUBH 136. List of equivalent coursework is located on the Teaching Credentials website.
8. Certificate of Clearance (COC) security clearance issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing: evidence of submitting the COC application and fingerprints must be submitted at application.
9. Participate in a Mandatory Interview.
Detailed descriptions of all admissions requirements are contained in the program’s application instructions, which are available on the Teaching Credentials Application website.
Admission Procedures
All applicants, including Sacramento State graduates, must submit an application through Cal State Apply.
Additional Information
Certificate of Clearance (COC/Fingerprint Clearance)
All applicants must submit verification of having been issued a security clearance by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) before they will be allowed to officially start the credential program.
EXCEPTION – it is not necessary to apply for the Certificate of Clearance if you can verify you hold a valid California certificate or credential such as an emergency permit for substitute teaching, Pre-intern certificate, PPS credential, Child Development Associate or Supervisor Permit, Adult Vocational Education credential or a valid Multiple or Single Subject credential.
NOTE: If you answered “YES” to any of the Personal and Professional Fitness questions on the Certificate of Clearance application, you will need to obtain the official arrest record and court paperwork regarding each incident. Refer to the CTC website for instructions, forms, and where to submit all additional paperwork. If you have any questions, contact the CTC directly via email.
Verification of completing the United States Constitution Requirement
California Education Code, Section 44335, requires all candidates for Multiple Subject, Single Subject, and Education Specialist credentials to demonstrate knowledge of the United States Constitution by completing a college-level course with a “C” or equivalent grade or better, or pass a college-level examination in the subject, or verify AP exam credit for American History or American Government/Politics. While this is not a program admission requirement, this requirement must be completed before the credential can be granted at the end of the credential program. Most CSU graduates have met this requirement. More information can be found by contacting pre-credential advisors in the College of Education Student Success Center.
Foreign Transcript Evaluation
Individuals who have completed college or university course work at an institution in a country other than the United States must obtain a complete evaluation of foreign transcripts, degrees, and other relevant documents prior to applying for a teaching credential program. This evaluation is required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). It is recommended that credential program applicants have their documents evaluated by WES, since both the University Office of Graduate Studies and the Commission will accept the WES evaluation. Applicants should select the WES INTERNATIONAL CREDENTIAL ADVANTAGE PACKAGE (ICAP) Course by Course Evaluation. For additional information on foreign transcript evaluations please visit the CTC website and the Office of Graduate Studies website.
Continuation in Credential Coursework
Continued Enrollment: Continued enrollment in the Single Subject Teaching Credential Program is contingent upon candidates maintaining a GPA of 3.0 in all professional education courses. If incomplete grades or grades of "D", "F", and "NC" (No Credit) are received in professional education courses, the candidate must withdraw from the program unless a specific exception has been approved by the Credential Appeals Committee. Any student on academic probation is subject to automatic disqualification unless approved by the Credential Appeals Committee to continue.
Grade Requirement for the Credential: Any grade below C- in a required credential course must be retaken in order to meet credential requirements.
Delays: Candidates who have to delay progress in the Single Subject Teaching Credential Program will file a "Program Delay Petition" in the Teaching Credentials Office. A student returning after a delay may be accommodated on a space available basis. Candidates must return and complete the program within the seven-year limit for graduate programs.
Appeal Process: A student who has been formally admitted to the program has the right to appeal to the Credential Appeals Committee about any policy affecting program continuation, except for those policies set by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing or state education code. Appeals petitions and assistance are available in the Teaching Credentials Office.
Licensure
Admission into programs leading to licensure does not guarantee that students will obtain a license. Licensure requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or tax payer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs, to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure requirements.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PK3 ECE INSTRUCTION SPECIALIST CREDENTIAL COURSES (45-46 Units) | ||
| EDMS 232 | Assessment Center Laboratory for Multiple Subject Candidates | 2 |
| EDMS 236A | Foundations for Teaching in a Diverse PK-3rd Classroom | 2 |
| EDMS 236B | Principles of Teaching in a Diverse PK-3rd Classroom | 4 |
| EDMS 236C | Advanced Principles of Teaching in a Diverse PK-3rd Classroom | 2 |
| EDMS 273 | Methods for Teaching Emergent Bilinguals in Diverse PK-3rd Classrooms | 3 |
| EDSP 217 | Foundations of Positive Behavioral Supports: Creating Safe and engaging Learning Environments | 3 |
| EDSP 293 | Strategies for Inclusive Classrooms | 3 |
| EDMS 311A | Language and Literacy in Diverse PK-3rd Classrooms A | 1 |
| EDMS 311B | Language and Literacy in Diverse PK-3rd Classrooms B | 3 |
| EDMS 312 | Mathematics Curriculum and Instruction for Diverse PK-3rd Classrooms | 3 |
| EDMS 313 | Integrated Science & History/Social Science Curriculum and Instruction for Diverse PK-3rd Classrooms | 3 |
| EDMS 330A | Educational Technology Lab I | 1 |
| EDMS 330B | Educational Technology Lab II | 1 |
| FIELD EXPERIENCE COURSES (14-15 UNITS) | ||
| EDMS 424A | Field Experience: PreK-3rd Grades | 6 |
| EDMS 424B | Student Teaching: PreK-3rd Grades | 8 - 9 |
| or EDMS 424C | Intern Teaching: PreK-3rd Grades | |