Subject Matter Competency

Candidates may meet the subject matter competence requirement through one of the following two options: 

   (A) Possession of a baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with a degree major in any of the 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, or
  • Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies OR
  • a major in child development, education, or a degree major in a subject area closely related to the credential area. For the PK-3 early childhood education specialist credentials, a major in a subject area closely related to the credential area means a baccalaureate or higher degree whose required coursework for the degree major includes not fewer than three courses, totaling at least 12 semester units or the equivalent quarter units, in child development, human development, or early childhood education. 

  (B) Completion of 24-semester units or the equivalent quarter units of non-remedial, degree-applicable coursework at a regionally accredited institution of higher education in early childhood education and/or child development. 

Need a completion of 24 units? 

If you have not completed the Subject Matter Competency requirement for the PK-3 credential program, we offer a few ways below for applicants to choose from to obtain the 24 units in child development and/or early childhood education courses.  

Candidates who do not meet the subject matter competency requirement through their degree title and have not completed 24 units of early childhood education and/or child development courses may enroll in any of the preapproved courses listed on the Meeting Subject Matter Competency Chart at a local institution of their choice.

Please note, the PK-3 credential program at CSULB does not accept practicum course units to meet the subject matter competency requirement.

Candidates and holders of a Multiple Subject Credential requiring 24 units in child development and/or early childhood education can fulfill this requirement by earning a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education. This option allows candidates to complete the necessary 24 units, obtain an ECE MA degree, and qualify for a salary increase on their pay scale.

For further details, explore the Early Childhood Education MA program website.