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Human Development Department

ECE Permitting and Credentialing Pathways

Students who graduate with a bachelor's degree in Human Development with an ECE concentration will have two permit/credential options:

  • Apply directly through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) to obtain a supervisor permit
  • Apply for entry into a Teacher Preparation Credential Program to obtain a teaching credential

Supervisor Permit

Students who graduate with a bachelor's degree in Human Development and successfully complete the 25 units of ECE coursework associated with the ECE concentration can apply through the CCTC for a permit after graduation.

Advisory: CCTC Permitting Structure
The CCTC permitting structure is currently under official review by the State of California. New changes regarding the type of permit an ECE student can apply for upon graduation will change in 2027. Please check back in Spring 2027 for detailed information about these updated permitting types and procedures.

Teaching Credentials

The bachelor's degree in Human Development with an ECE concentration allows students two pathways into credentialed teaching:

  • PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential
  • Multiple Subject Credential
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  • PK-3 Credential

    The PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential authorizes the holder to teach all subjects in a self-contained general education classroom setting in grades preschool through grade three, including Transitional Kindergarten. It also allows the holder to team teach or to regroup students across self-contained classrooms within this grade range.

    Students graduating with a BA in HD with an ECE concentration, will demonstrate the subject matter competence necessary for application to a PK-3 Teacher Preparation Credential Program. 

    Please note: CSU San Marcos does not offer a PK-3 Teacher Preparation Credential Program

  • Multiple Subject Credential

    The Multiple Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach all subjects in a self-contained classroom, such as the classrooms in most elementary schools, in grades preschool, K–12, or in classes organized primarily for adults. In addition, the holder of a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential may serve in a core or team teaching setting. 

    Students graduating with a bachelor's degree in Human Development with an ECE concentration can apply to CSUSM’s Multiple Subject Credential Program.

    For more information about applying to CSUSM's Multiple Subject credential program, please visit the CSUSM Credential Admissions Information website.

    After obtaining a Multiple Subject Credential, students can utilize their bachelor's degree in Human Development with an ECE concentration to add a PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential directly through the CCTC. 

    For more information about adding a PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential to a Multiple Subject Credential, please contact CEHHS Student Services at cehhs-ss@csusm.edu.