91 is one of only eight of the over 750 universities in California to offer the PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction credential. The School of Education received official accreditation from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing last year, making it the first private university statewide to offer the credential.

“Earning this accreditation not only reflects the quality and rigor of Biola's School of Education, but also our commitment to excellence and mission,” said Dr. Christi Min, chair of the Early Childhood program in the School of Education. “The program development process was an intensive effort requiring the faculty and staff to meet all state requirements — including common standards, preconditions and program standards — with integrity and distinction. As a result, Biola became the first private university in California to receive this accreditation and remains one of only eight universities in the state offering the PK-3 ECE Specialist Credential.”

To support the successful implementation of this program, the School of Education was also awarded a $250,000 Integrated Undergraduate Teacher Preparation Grant from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

“Fifty percent of the funding is being allocated directly to current and incoming students through scholarships, helping to reduce financial barriers as they pursue their degree and credential through our teacher preparation program,” said Min. “The remaining funds are being used to support program development, including the creation of new courses, revision of existing coursework, administrative costs, program promotion and related implementation needs.”

California is in the midst of expanding universal access to Transitional Kindergarten (TK) for all four-year-olds. This rollout is expected to require between 12,000 and 16,000 new TK teachers to meet the state’s 1:10 child-to-teacher ratio.

“This credential directly responds to that need by preparing a qualified, diverse workforce of early childhood educators equipped to serve children from age three through third grade in a developmentally, culturally, linguistically and spiritually appropriate manner,” said Min.

The early childhood credential allows Biola graduates to teach in California public schools and qualify for the same compensation and benefits as elementary school teachers and is designed with multiple entry points for aspiring and current educators. For those who already hold a multiple subject credential, the path to earning the PK-3 ECE credential can be significantly shortened. These candidates only need 24 units of early childhood coursework and are not required to complete additional student teaching hours.

Graduates of Biola’s undergraduate early childhood concentration may need just nine to 12 more units to complete the credential. Candidates with a Child Development Teacher Permit and a bachelor's degree in a related field may also qualify for an accelerated pathway. Those with over six years of lead teaching experience could receive a waiver for half of the required 640 clinical practice hours. Accepted undergraduate majors include child development, human development, early childhood education, family science and related disciplines.

Unlike many other credentials, the PK-3 ECE program does not require results from the CBEST or CSET exams. Instead, candidates complete the Language Proficiency Assessment (LPA) and the PK-3 California Teaching Performance Assessment (CalTPA), offering a more accessible pathway to credentialing.

The credential is available in-person, hybrid and fully online, making it ideal for working professionals and students across the state. The flexible format and recognition of previous coursework allow candidates to move efficiently through the program while receiving a high-quality, Christ-centered education.

With this addition, Biola now offers the full range of credentials needed to serve students from preschool through high school in California public schools. It is a significant step forward in the university’s mission to prepare educators who are both professionally excellent and spiritually grounded. Learn more about the teaching credentials offered through Biola’s School of Education by visiting the website.

Written by Sarah Dougher, media relations specialist, with the assistance of AI. For more information, email media.relations@biola.edu.