PK-3 Preliminary Credential Application Requirements

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Program Application Process:

Admission to the program is a two-step process; in addition to the CSU university application, you must also submit the supplemental Credential Program application. If currently enrolled as a CSUDH graduate student, the University application is not required.

  1. Apply to the University online at Cal State Apply $70.00 University Fee (non-refundable)
    1. Please review the application guide for additional information. You will need a nine- digit Student ID to complete the Credential Program Application in Step 2. Please apply early to the university as it can take up to five business days to issue your Student ID via email. You can also retrieve your ID by visiting csudh.edu/username
    2. Please note when completing the Cal State Apply for Spring 2025 admissions, use the Classified postbacc: Teacher ed cred (Special Education credential) code
    3. Please Note: Official transcripts from all institutions attended must be submitted to the Admissions Office prior to the deadline.

      Helpful tips to ensure your transcripts are received:

      • Submit your Cal State Apply application prior to sending official transcripts from your former institutions.
      • Use the same name on your Cal State Apply application as on your transcripts (if your name has changed, indicate this in your transcript order).

    2. Apply to the credential program

    1. Review the program admission requirements
    2. Review the quick process guide for submitting your credential program application
      1. Please Note: When completing the Program Application, you will select the following program code:
        PK3 - (PK-3 ECE Specialist Instruction Credential)
      2. If you are interested in adding the Bilingual Authorization to your program, select the BILSP cohort on the application.

 3. Prepare documents to be scanned and uploaded

Application Deadline Dates:

Spring Term: November 1st

Fall Term: June 1st

Preliminary Admission Requirements:

Degree

Bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

Any candidate who's bachelor's degree has not been conferred can be conditionally admitted pending degree confirmation.

GPA Requirement
A cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 in the last 60 semester units or 2.50 in all baccalaureate or postbaccalaureate coursework. If you do not meet this requirement, you are required to complete a Low GPA Petition for Exception Form and email to coeadmissionsunit@csudh.edu
ESCP Student Commitment Form

Applicants must read the Equitable Standards for Clinical Practice Student Commitment Form, complete the following fields on page 2 of the form, and upload to the application:

- Student Name
- ID #
- Student Signature
- Date

Fingerprint Clearance

Certificate of Clearance, Child Development Permit, Emergency, substitute permit, or pre-intern credential. Please note, the application for a Certificate of Clearance includes

  1. Completing the fingerprint process
  2. Applying for the Certificate of Clearance
  3. Submitting your certificate with your online application.

For instructions on how to apply, please visit the State of California, Commission on Teacher Credentialing webpage (allow 10 days for processing). 

CPR Certification

Applicants must provide proof of valid CPR certification, which satisfies criteria established by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. These areas include infant, child and adult CPR. Online certification is acceptable.

  1. Submit a copy of your signed CPR card (front and back) or PDF certification, with your online program application. Your CPR certification must be valid for the duration of the program.
Tuberculosis Clearance

Applicants must provide verification of freedom from active tuberculosis. The TB test report or a letter from a physician regarding a chest x-ray, must have been administered within the last year and clearly indicate a negative result, as well as applicant name, DOB, and clinic information or stamp. This test may be completed at any health facility. If the applicant is a current CSUDH student, they may contact the CSUDH Student Health Center for a tuberculosis test. The telephone number is (310)-243-3629.

Essay

Essay up to 300 words: Discuss your interest in teaching preschool through 3rd grade students in racially and culturally diverse classroom at under-resourced schools in the Los Angeles area.

Verification of Subject Matter competency or Progress form

Applicants must provide progress toward subject matter at admissions. Candidates must meet subject matter prior to starting clinical practice. For more information, please visit the Ways to Meet Subject Matter for the PK-3 credential website.

For additional information regarding the Subject Matter Requirement please see the Commission on Teacher Credentialing PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential Requirements webpage

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must provide two professional recommendations using our specific forms listed below. Recommendations must be completed by a faculty member, employer, or someone that is knowledgeable regarding the applicant’s personal qualities and ability to work with children. Recommendations from family members and friends are not acceptable.

  1. Instructions: Recommendation forms must be uploaded with your application. Once the recommender has completed the recommendation form, they will need to email it back to you. Please download the letter of recommendation template using the Recommendation Form link.

Required for admission to Clinical Practice

(Clinical practice application must be submitted one semester prior to enrolling in clinical practice courses)

Verification of Subject Matter

Verification of meeting subject matter competence must be submitted with your clinical practice application. For additional information regarding the Subject Matter Requirement please see the Commission on Teacher Credentialing PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential Requirements webpage.

Approved Program Plan

Candidates must submit an approved program plan prior to admission to clinical practice. Candidates are required to meet with an advisor to complete the program plan. Please provide ample time to schedule an appointment with your academic advisor. Academic advisor’s schedules are available in Dept. offices.

Credential - Interns Only

Candidates must provide a copy of their valid Intern Credential.

Current Employment Contract - Interns Only

Candidates must submit a copy of current employment contract as an Intern from the appropriate agencies (school district, charter school).

Bilingual Authorization Requirements (if applicable)

  1. Bilingual Authorization: Candidates may complete a preliminary Credential with Bilingual Authorization in Spanish simultaneously by meeting the following requirements:
    1. Language & Culture Competencies
    2. Foundations Coursework in Critical Dual Language & Bilingual Education
    3. Dual Language & Bilingual Elementary Content Methods Courses
    4. Fieldwork Experiences in Dual Language & Bilingual Inclusive Schools