PK-3 Credential Program Application Subject Matter Competency

Candidates must demonstrate that they possess subject matter competency that aligns with the credential they are obtaining. SMC must be met prior to starting the program. There are five options in which a candidate can choose to meet SMC.

1. Verify Subject Matter Competence by one of the following methods:

1. 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
   • Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies.

2. 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.