This program is designed for individuals who are interested in being the teacher of record in a district while earning a Deaf-Hard of Hearing Education Specialist or PK-3 Services Credential. The ideal candidates are those who:

• Hold a Bachelor's degree.
• Are currently teaching in their own classroom as the teacher of record.*
• Want to pursue a teaching credential while continuing their work as an educator.
• Have met or are on track to meet the subject area requirements for the credential (either through the CSET exam or coursework).

PK-3 Credential Requirements:

1. Attend a virtual information session (accessible on SDCOE website link above)
2. Enroll in Preservice:

• Possess a bachelor’s degree (*out of country transcripts must be evaluated by an approved institution)
• Be a first-time intern credential applicant
• Attain a certificate of clearance
• Complete 120 hours of preservice courses (see below) OR hold a current California multiple subject, single subject, or education specialist teaching credential 
• Recommendation by preservice instructors

3. Subject matter competency – provide evidence of being met
4. U.S. Constitution (exam or coursework) – provide evidence of being met
5. Signed offer of employment by school or district of at least 50% full time employment (FTE) 

Subject Matter Competency for this credential can be met by one of the following:

• A. Possession of a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with a degree major in one of the following fields: Child Development; Child and Adolescent Development; Human Development; Early Childhood Education; Child and Family Studies; Early Childhood Studies; Family Science; Human Development and Family Science; or Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies
   
• B. Completion of 24 semester units or 36 quarter units of non-remedial, degree-applicable coursework at a regionally accredited institution of higher education in early childhood education and/or child development

The PK-3 Services credential authorizes the holder 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.

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing credential authorizes the holder to conduct Educational Assessments related to students' access to the academic core curriculum and progress towards meeting instructional academic goals, provide instruction, and Special Education Support to individuals with a disability of deaf or hard-of-hearing or deafblind, including autism, and services to students with a hearing loss that manifests itself in conjunction with additional disabilities including unilateral or bilateral, whether fluctuating, conductive, sensorineural, and/or auditory neuropathy, to students from birth through age 22, and classes organized primarily for adults in services across the continuum of program options available.

Yes, commit to 3 years of teaching in an Alameda County public school after credential is awarded.

Our partnership program lasts two years.

The coursework is primarily asynchronous and virtual, allowing participants to complete it at their own pace.

• Participants attend weekly virtual classes and engage in home learning.
• There is also monthly in-person professional development for each cohort.

Coaching is provided on-site to support participants' growth

The total cost of the program is between $1,000 - $6,000* over two years. The rest of the tuition will be covered. 

**Cost differentiation is based on equity indicators and district support.

Once accepted into the program, participants receive various types of support to help them succeed:

1. Coaching: Participants receive ongoing, on-site coaching to support their development as educators.
2. Professional Development: Monthly cohort-based professional development sessions are provided to foster continuous growth and learning.
3. Financial Support: The program covers much of the tuition cost, making it affordable for candidates at a low cost of $500 per year.
4. Mentorship: Participants are paired with mentors or coaches who provide personalized guidance.
5. Tuition Coverage: ACOE covers the majority of the tuition, with candidates only needing to pay the $500 per year (totaling $1,000 for the entire program).
6. Resources and Guidance: The program offers logistical and navigational support throughout the admissions process and during the program to help candidates manage their coursework and certification requirements.

Overall, the program is structured to ensure that participants receive comprehensive support both in their coursework and professional development, setting them up for success as they work toward earning their teaching credential.