Last fall, APU launched a groundbreaking early childhood education bachelor’s completion degree. The program offers students who have earned an associate’s degree in childhood development an accelerated pathway where they can transfer in 60 units with 24 units in early childhood credit, allowing them to earn their bachelor’s degree and prekindergarten-third grade (PK-3) teaching credential within two years. APU’s program is the first of its kind in California and launches at a critical time to meet the urgent need for qualified early childhood educators in California.
Recent policy changes in California, such as the expansion of transitional kindergarten (TK) and the introduction of universal preschool initiatives, have created a significant demand for qualified early childhood educators. Many districts are struggling to find adequately trained early childhood educators, particularly those with specialized credentials in PK-3 education. According to the Learning Policy Institute, California will need an estimated 11,900 to 15,600 additional TK teachers by 2025-26. In response, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) developed the PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential. With the approval of the PK-3 Specialist Teaching Credential, school districts are eager to provide universally available preschool classes on their elementary campuses as part of a free public education system. This creates a growing demand for qualified teachers who are equipped to teach preschool students. Graduates of APU’s BA in Early Childhood and PK-3 Credential program will be well-positioned to fulfill the emerging needs of local school districts for preschool and lower elementary classrooms.
“This program is a game changer for students looking to become PK-3 teachers at a time of high need in our state,” said Catherine Hahs Brinkley, EdD, chair and assistant professor in the Department of Teacher Education. “We were thrilled to welcome our first cohort in August and can’t wait to see the impact they’ll have as educators.”
APU’s early childhood education program will offer online classes at night, designed with flexibility to fit the schedules of working adults. Students can choose to start in the fall, spring, or summer terms, offering accessible entry for all. However, unlike similar programs offered at other universities, APU students will come together on campus for three residencies a year, at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year to build community and receive support from faculty and staff.
“What sets APU apart is our close knit community. We truly get to know our students and show them how much we care for them,” Hahs Brinkley said.
APU’s early childhood education program will prepare educators and leaders to be effective champions for students in diverse settings. Recognized for its teacher preparation excellence, APU provides rigorous coursework taught by experienced faculty, with hands-on learning opportunities to ensure graduates will excel in early childhood classrooms. Students will be ready to be hired as soon as they graduate with their credentials in hand, with 95 percent of graduates from the School of Education reporting being employed in their field within the first year following graduation. APU is one of only two California schools of education with national accreditation from CAEP, and the only Minority Serving Institution in the state with this designation.