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13.4: Qualifications

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    279286
  • This page is a draft and under active development. Please forward any questions, comments, and/or feedback to the ASCCC OERI (oeri@asccc.org).

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    Roles and Responsibilities in California School Systems

    General Qualifications for Para-educators

    In California, para-educators (also known as paraprofessionals, instructional aides, or teacher assistants) must meet specific qualifications depending on their role and funding source. The requirements ensure they can effectively support teachers and students, especially in special education and Title I programs. To work as a paraeducator in K-12 public schools, candidates must meet one of the following criteria:

    1. High School Diploma or Equivalent, AND
    2. One of the following:
      • At least 48 semester units from an accredited college or university, OR
      • An associate degree (AA or higher), OR
      • Passing score on the local Para-educator Exam (assesses reading, writing, and math skills).

    Additional Requirements for Specialized Para-educators

    • Special Education Para-educators: May require training in behavior management, communication strategies, and assistive technology to work with students with disabilities.
    • Bilingual Para-educators: Must demonstrate proficiency in both English and the target language through testing or coursework.
    • Title I Funded Schools: Para-educators working in Title I schools must meet federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) qualifications, which align with the requirements listed above.
    • Health & Safety Requirements: Some positions may require CPR & First Aid certification, fingerprint clearance, and a TB test.

    Duties & Responsibilities

    Para-educators assist teachers by:

    • Supporting instruction in small groups or one-on-one.
    • Helping students with disabilities by providing accommodations.
    • Supervising students during transitions, recess, and meals.
    • Assisting with classroom management and organization.

    Qualifications for Public School Teachers

    In California, teachers must meet specific qualifications to obtain a teaching credential, which varies based on the subject and grade level they wish to teach. The key credential types are:

    1. Multiple Subject Teaching Credential: Required for elementary school teachers (grades K-6).
    2. Single Subject Teaching Credential: Required for middle and high school teachers (grades 7-12) in a specific subject (e.g., Math, Science, English).
    3. Education Specialist Credential: Required for special education teachers working with students with disabilities.
    4. PK-3 ECE Specialist Instruction Credential: Provides an early childhood focus for teachers interested in teaching kindergarten through third grade.

    To become a credentialed teacher, candidates must meet the following requirements:

    1. Bachelor's Degree
    • A bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited university is required.
    • The degree does not have to be in education, but additional coursework may be needed.
    1. Basic Skills Requirement (CBEST or Alternatives)
    • CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test) assesses reading, writing, and math skills.
    • Alternative ways to meet the basic skills requirement include:
      • SAT/ACT scores
      • AP Exams
      • College coursework in reading, writing, and math
    1. Subject Matter Competency (CSET or Alternatives)
    • Candidates must prove expertise in their subject by passing the CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers).
    • Alternatives to the CSET include:
      • A degree in the subject area (for single-subject credentials)
      • A waiver program from an approved university
    1. Teacher Preparation Program
    • Candidates must complete a state-approved teacher preparation program (often part of a credential program at a university).
    • This includes student teaching or an internship for hands-on classroom experience.
    1. English Learner Authorization (CLAD or Equivalent)
    • Teachers must be trained to support English Learners (ELs).
    • The CLAD (Crosscultural, Language, and Academic Development) Certificate or equivalent is included in most credential programs today.
    • Some teachers may also hold a BCLAD (Bilingual Authorization) for teaching in dual-language programs.
    1. Background Clearance & Ethics
    • Must pass Live Scan fingerprinting and a background check.
    • Must complete U.S. Constitution coursework or pass an exam.

    Additional Considerations

    • Preliminary vs. Clear Credential:
      • New teachers earn a Preliminary Credential, valid for 5 years.
      • To upgrade to a Clear Credential, teachers must complete an Induction Program (professional development for beginning teachers).
    • Out-of-State Teachers: May need to meet California-specific requirements, such as CSET or CLAD certification.

    To teach in California, candidates must earn a bachelor’s degree, pass the CBEST (or an alternative), demonstrate subject knowledge via the CSET (or an alternative), complete a teacher preparation program, and obtain EL authorization (CLAD). These requirements ensure that teachers are qualified, prepared, and able to support diverse students.

    PK-3 ECE Specialist Instruction Credential

    In April 2024, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing approved a new credential that authorize holders to teach all subjects in a self-contained general education classroom setting and to team teach or to regroup students across classrooms, in preschool through grade three (CCTC, 2025). This credential was created to fulfill the growing need for qualified Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers who possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences for all young children. The PK–3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential offers an accelerated and streamlined pathway for current Multiple Subject Credential holders and Child Development Teacher Permit holders with a bachelor’s degree to earn this credential and begin teaching in Transitional Kindergarten (TK) settings.

    This credential recognizes and values the rich backgrounds and extensive experience of candidates with current or prior work in the ECE field. These professional experiences, along with their knowledge and practical wisdom, form a strong foundation in child development and early childhood education. This background supports a smooth transition from the Child Development Permit system to earning the PK–3 ECE Specialist Instruction Credential and serving as a credentialed teacher in PK–3 ECE classrooms. Those interested in this credential must meet the following requirements.

    1. Bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education in one of nine specific majors
      • Child Development
      • Child and Adolescent Development
      • Human Development
      • Early Childhood Education
      • Child and Family Studies
      • Early Childhood Studies
      • Human Development & Family Science
      • Family Science
      • Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies
    2. Subject Matter Requirement
      • 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 or Child Development OR
      • BA or above
    3. Completion of Preliminary PK-3 ECE Specialist Instruction Credential Program
      • Teacher preparation coursework (theory and pedagogy)
      • 600 Hours of Clinical Practice
        • 200 in PK/TK
        • 200 in K-3
        • 200 in choice PK-3
      • Passage of Commission Approved Teaching Performance Assessments (TPEs)
        • California Teaching Performance Assessment (CalTPA)
        • Educative Teaching Performance Assessment (edTPA)
        • The Fresno Assessment of Student Teachers (FAST)

    This page titled 13.4: Qualifications is shared under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Kerry Diaz & Tenessa Sanchez.