PK-3 Early Childhood Education
Specialist Instruction Credential
About this program
The PK‑3 ECE Specialist Instruction Credential prepares you to teach all subjects in preschool through third grade. You study inclusive, culturally responsive teaching theories and complete clinical practice in diverse, real‑world classrooms. You choose between a traditional student‑teaching route or an intern pathway, with most coursework offered in a hybrid format—one-third online, two-thirds on campus. The program also supports advancement toward SFSU’s MA in Early Childhood Education.
Program Curriculum and Requirements
Program Scope
PK-3 ECE Specialist Instruction Credential Program prepares candidates to teach in preschool through grade 3. The program prepares candidates to collaborate with professionals for diversity, equity, and inclusion and to meet the individual needs of all children and families. This program incorporates cutting-edge educational theories, innovative and effective teaching practices, and guided field experiences in culturally and linguistically diverse schools. Two post-baccalaureate pathways are offered (traditional student teaching and intern) in a hybrid modality, in which one-third of the content is delivered online and two-thirds face-to-face on the SFSU campus.
We also offer:
- An option to complete a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education program or Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction after credential students finish the credential program.
- Adding a bilingual authorization in Cantonese, Mandarin, or Spanish to teach in a bilingual classroom setting from preschool through grade 3, after completing the credential program.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Engaging and Supporting All Young Children in Learning.
- Creating and Maintaining Effective Environments for Children’s Learning.
- Understanding and Organizing Core Curriculum for Children’s Learning.
- Planning Instruction and Designing DAP Learning Experiences for All Children.
- Assessing and Documenting Children’s Development and Learning.
- Developing as a Professional Early Childhood Educator.
- Effective Literacy Instruction for PK-3 Settings.
- Effective Mathematics Instruction in a PK-3 Setting.