Expand Your Career Opportunities
Child Development Majors can earn a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and automatically qualify for a PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential.
If you have a background in Child Development, you’re already well prepared to take the next step toward becoming a classroom teacher. By completing Cal State LA’s Multiple Subject Credential Program, you can build on your strong foundation in early learning and later add the PK–3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Credential to extend your teaching range.
Together, these credentials allow you to teach from preschool through elementary school, opening doors to more classrooms, schools, and opportunities to make a difference in young learners’ lives.
Steps to Earning your Credential
Step 1: Earn the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
This credential authorizes you to teach in a self-contained elementary classroom (typically TK–6).
At Cal State LA, you’ll complete a state-approved teacher preparation program that includes coursework and supervised fieldwork.
- Demonstrate subject matter competence by passing the CSET: Multiple Subjects Exam or completing an approved subject-matter waiver program.
🎓 If you are completing the Child Development, B.A. Option in Elementary Subject Matter Teacher Preparation, this option is an approved subject-matter waiver program that meets the subject-matter requirement for the Multiple Subject Credential.
Learn more about the Child Development, B.A. degree option. - Meet the Basic Skills Requirement, which can be satisfied by holding a bachelor’s degree.
- Complete other state credentialing requirements (such as fingerprint clearance).
Once complete, you’ll earn the Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential, which qualifies you to begin teaching in elementary schools.
Step 2: Add the PK–3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Credential with no additional coursework
Here's the exciting part for Child Development majors — your degree already meets the subject matter requirement for the PK–3 credential (through your major or 24 semester units in early childhood/child development).
That means once you’ve completed the Multiple Subject Credential Program, no additional coursework or program is required to earn the PK–3 credential. You can simply apply directly to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for the PK–3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Credential and become authorized to teach preschool through grade 3, including transitional kindergarten (TK).
Why Pursue Both Credentials?
- Two credentials, one pathway: Earn your Multiple Subject Credential and then add the PK–3 with no extra coursework.
- More flexibility: Teach from preschool through sixth grade.
- More opportunities: Qualify for positions in both early childhood and elementary settings.
- More impact: Support children across the most critical years of learning and development.
Start with the Multiple Subject Credential Program at Cal State LA and open the door to earning two credentials—and twice the opportunity to make a difference.
👉 Learn more about our Multiple Subject Credential Program.