These are the minimum educational requirements for most California preschool and childcare programs.

Preschool Teacher: 12 units of Child Development to include: Child Growth and Development (CHLDV 135), Child Family and Community (CHLDV 142) and Program-Curriculum (CHLDV 140 and 141).

Infant/Toddler Teacher: To work with children under two years of age, the teacher must have the units described above including 3 units of infant/toddler development. (CHLDV 147).

School-Age Childcare: The same 12 units required above plus a 3 units course in school-age curriculum development (CHLDV 137).

Directors: 12 units as described above and 3 units of Administration & Supervision (CHLDV 174).


Child Development Permit

This teaching credential is required for state funded programs. The Teacher level requires: 24 units of Child Development including courses in Child Growth and Development, Child, Family and Community and Program/Curriculum/Guidance and 16 units of general education with at least one class from English, Social Science, Math or Science and Humanities.

NOTE:  English must be at the ENG 120 or ESL 151 level or higher.

For further information go to www.childdevelopment.org.
 

Head Start Programs

Teachers must have a state issued credential (See Child Development Permit above) OR an Associates, Bachelors or Advanced degree in Child Development.
 

Family Home Child Care

There are currently no mandated educational requirements for Family Home Child Care Providers except for Pediatric CPR training. Homes must be licensed through the Department of Social Services. CD 160 and 162 are recommended courses.