Early Childhood (Pre-K) Teacher Pathway
Early Childhood Teacher Pathways prepare students to work with infants, toddlers, and preschool age children in a variety of learning environments. These Pathways will educate and train students to become effective teachers; provide hands-on learning in the classroom; and support students to develop as teaching professionals.
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) issues Child Development Permits (CDP) at six levels (from Assistant Teacher to Program Director) that authorize the holder to provide care, development and instruction in early learning programs, supervise staff, coordinate curriculum and staff development, and manage a child development program. Click here for more information about CTC Child Development Permits.
Pathway Steps:
Two Early Childhood Teacher Pathways that prepare students for the Master Teacher Permit are highlighted below.
Early Childhood Master Teacher Option 1:
- Complete the Cuesta College Degree: AA in Child Development/Early Childhood Education
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Complete the field experience requirements by working in ECE programs teaching infants, toddlers, and preschoolers
Early Childhood Master Teacher Option 2:
- Complete the Cuesta College Degree: AS-T in Early Childhood Education
- See Sample 2-Year Plan for AS-T in Early Childhood Education
- Plus, complete ECE 245 "Adult Supervision", and six ECE specialization units to meet permit requirements
- See Sample 2-Year Plan for AS-T in Early Childhood Education
- Complete a Bachelors degree in ECE, Child Development, or similar major
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Complete the field experience requirements by working in ECE programs teaching infants, toddlers and preschoolers
Earning a BA/BS degree will allow students to work in the broader field of ECE or Child Development in a variety of professional roles.
To teach grades K-6, you can follow the Elementary School Teacher Pathway (plus 24 ECE units for TK) or after you follow Option #2 above and earn your Bachelors degree, pass the California Subject Exam for Teachers (CSET): Multiple Subject Exam, then complete a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential program.
Click here for more detailed information on the above steps as well as further information on the Child Development Master Teacher Permit. (PDF)
Click here for the Early Childhood Teacher Pathway flyer. (PDF)
Ticket2Teach
ECE Apprenticeship Program at Cuesta College
Ticket to Teach is an opportunity to gain experience working with young children and their families, while completing your educational goals.
Ticket to Teach Apprentices will be employed at designated Early Learning sites and will receive academic support and tuition assistance at Cuesta College to complete their Early Childhood Education degree(s) and coursework for the Child Development permits.
More information can be found at ticket2teach.org or the attached flyer (PDF).
Questions? Please contact Early Childhood Education Instructor Michele Gordon Johnson at pamela_gordonjohnson@cuesta.edu.
If you would like more information or have questions about the Master Teacher Pathway, the AA or AS-T in ECE, or the university transfer process, please contact the Cuesta College Counseling Department 805-546-3138 (San Luis Obispo Campus) or 805-591-6241 (North County Campus).