New teaching credential focuses on development of youngest learners

Fresno State will introduce the new PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential (PK-3) program in May 2025 to prepare educators for the unique developmental needs of students in transitional kindergarten (TK) through third grade. With this new program, the university will become one of six early childhood education credential programs approved in California.

Research continues to illuminate the significant impact of early childhood education, especially when provided for children before entering kindergarten. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, universal pre-kindergarten will be available for all 4-year-old children and their families in California thanks to legislation signed by the governor in 2021. The expansion of early education strives to improve academic, health and professional outcomes later in life for students across the state, such as higher graduation and employment rates.

The new credential program joins existing single subject, multiple subject and education specialist teaching credential programs offered at Fresno State, which prepares two-thirds of all teachers in Central California. PK-3 credential holders will contribute to the enhancement of early education and meet the anticipated increase in demand throughout the state for TK teachers.

The program will emphasize research-based practices for developmentally and culturally appropriate instruction while leveraging significant early childhood education resources accumulated through the Kremen School of Education and Human Development at Fresno State. 

The university currently provides learning experiences through Fresno State Programs for Children for over 200 children annually (ages 3 months to 12 years) across three centers on campus. The D. Paul Fansler Institute for Leadership in Early Childhood Education offers workshops and conferences on early childhood education to hundreds of students and community members each year.

The PK-3 credential program has been developed in partnership with the California State University Chancellor’s Office, the Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, Early Care and Education Department and in collaboration with community colleges and other educational agencies to inform program content.

The application for the new teaching credential program will open on Feb. 1. Additional program details are available at fresnostate.edu/pk3.

For more information about the PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential program, contact 559.278.0300 or kremenschool@csufresno.edu.