About Our Programs

The PK-3rd Early Childhood Education Instruction Specialist Teaching Credential (PK3) program is hybrid and focuses on preparing effective teachers for an urban setting, including a foundation in social justice and equity. It authorizes the holder to teach all subjects in Pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade classrooms. Coursework specifically builds on child development expertise, an understanding of developmentally appropriate practices, skills related to creating culturally sustaining, linguistically affirming and student-centered curriculum, and strategies for building strong learning communities for young children. This credential embeds the English Learner Authorization (ELA), which prepares candidates to work with second language learners.

The program is also designed to provide full access to working Early Childhood Education professionals, with equivalencies granted for qualifying professional experience.

Career Options

With a PK-3 Teaching Credential, you can explore various employment opportunities, including roles such as preschool/transitional kindergarten teacher, k-3 teacher, or private school teacher. This credential opens doors to diverse educational settings, allowing you to shape young minds and contribute to curriculum development in meaningful ways.

Pathway Options

The program is 3 semesters (Summer, Fall, Spring) and requires full-time student status, with field experience and student teaching requirements in Sacramento area public schools.

Fact Sheet

PK-3 Fact Sheet

Advising & Resources

Credential Program Information Sessions

Advising

Schedule an Advising Appointment online!
Not a Sac State Student? Email us to get an advising appointment booked!
Email: coe-cred@csus.edu

Support for BIPOC & Bilingual Candidates

The Educational Equity Program is dedicated to fostering equity and inclusion in education. We invite you to visit the Ed Equity page to see how the Educational Equity Office promotes educational equity and can help you. There, you'll find valuable resources, programs, and information. Together, let's create a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape!

Dr. Karina Figueroa-Ramirez
Eureka Hall 437 | Located in the Student Success Center
Office Hours: M-F 8:00 am-12:00 pm and 1:00 pm- 5:00 pm
Request an advising appointment

We need Bilingual Teachers!
In California, over 2.3 million TK-12 students come from households where languages other than English are spoken. Unfortunately, a shortage of qualified bilingual teachers in the state means that these students often miss out on a quality bilingual education. To bridge this gap, addressing the need for bilingual educators is crucial. Here at Sacramento State, we offer a Bilingual Authorization in the following languages:

• Spanish
• Hmong

For more information, visit the Bilingual Authorization website and contact the Bilingual Authorization Coordinator, Dr. Leslie Banes l.banes@csus.edu

Financial Support for your Credential

Please visit our Financial Support Opportunities page for additional information. We understand that financing your education is an important consideration, and we are committed to assisting you in finding financial support. We believe that finances should not be a barrier to your passion for becoming an educator, and we encourage you to utilize these resources to help fund your teaching credential.

Complete your FAFSA. Teacher credentialing candidates should indicate they are 5th year undergraduate students on their FAFSA.

Contact Us

• Department Chair: Dr. Brian Lim
• Program Coordinator: Dr. Pia Wong
• Billingual Authorization Coordinator: Dr. Leslie Banes
• For advising, please contact coe@csus.edu