荔枝视频

PK鈥�3 Credential Program Reaches Major Milestone as First Cohort Completes Credential

The 荔枝视频 College of Education (COE) is demonstrating measurable progress through its PK鈥�3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential program, now serving two active cohorts and preparing its first group of candidates to complete the credential in May 2026. This milestone reflects a strong return on investment in addressing California鈥檚 critical shortage of early childhood educators. The inaugural PK鈥�3 cohort will also mark a historic moment as its members walk across the stage during the COE鈥檚 Credential Celebration ceremony on Tuesday, May 19.

Developed in direct response to California鈥檚 Transitional Kindergarten expansion and the growing need for early learning educators, the PK鈥�3 credential program prepares teachers to serve students from preschool through third grade. Candidates are trained in developmentally appropriate practices, culturally responsive instruction, inclusive learning environments, and family engagement鈥攅nsuring graduates are classroom-ready and equipped to support diverse communities from day one.

鈥淏eing part of this inaugural cohort was thrilling,鈥� shared . 鈥淚t feels like the college is building something special from the ground up, both as a program and as a community. We are learning to apply theory to practice in real classrooms while also supporting one another every step of the way.鈥�

This fall, Ngo will begin teaching preschool at Gauer Elementary School in the Anaheim Elementary School District, bringing his passion for early learning into the classroom.

The program鈥檚 momentum has been made possible in large part through the Toros Teach Los Angeles (TTLA) scholarship, which provides essential financial support to credential candidates. This philanthropic investment from the helps remove financial barriers, accelerate time to completion, and increase the number of qualified educators entering the workforce鈥攎aximizing impact for both students and communities.

鈥淭he progress of the PK鈥�3 credential program demonstrates how targeted investment can strengthen the educator pipeline and directly support California鈥檚 early learning priorities,鈥� said Mi-Sook Kim, Dean of the College of Health, Human Services and Nursing.

Program leadership emphasized that early outcomes validate both the design and long-term potential of the credential.

鈥淲ith two cohorts underway and our first graduates entering classrooms this spring, we are already seeing the tangible outcomes of a credential program grounded in equity and student support,鈥� shared Jessica Pandya, Dean of the College of Education.

Credential candidates continue to highlight faculty and staff support as a key factor in their success, and their enthusiasm for entering the profession is evident.

鈥淚鈥檓 incredibly excited to begin teaching and make a difference in classrooms from preschool through third grade,鈥� shared Doris Phillips, PK鈥�3 credential candidate. 鈥淢y insightful professors have prepared me to support young learners at such a critical stage, and I can鈥檛 wait to create a positive, engaging environment for my future students.鈥�

As cohorts 1 and 2 continue their progress, the PK鈥�3 credential program stands as a compelling example of how philanthropic support translates into workforce-ready educators, stronger early learning systems, and lasting community impact鈥攂eginning at the earliest stages of a child鈥檚 education.

鈥淥ur goal was to create a sustainable, high-impact pathway into PK鈥�3 classrooms,鈥� said Jenny Chiappe, PK鈥�3 program Co-Director. 鈥淪eeing our first cohort near completion confirms both the need for and the effectiveness of this investment.鈥�

Tune in to watch the first PK鈥�3 credential cohort completers during the Credential Celebration ceremony livestream at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19:

锔� Check out this video about PK-3 program, including Henry Ngo, Doris Phillips and the
TTLA scholarship:

For more information about the PK鈥�3 Early Childhood Education credential, visit:
/pk3-ece

Application deadlines:

• June 1 for fall semester admission
• November 1 for spring semester admission