Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is the first year of a two-year kindergarten experience in California. In addition to holding a Multiple Subject Credential, after August 1, 2025, all TK teachers must also meet one of the following requirements: 

  1. Have completed at least 24 credits in early childhood education, child development, or both, from an accredited institution of higher education; or 
  2. Have professional experience in a classroom setting with preschool-aged children that a local educational agency (LEA; school district or county office of education) deems comparable to 24 units; or 
  3. Possess a Child Development Teacher Permit issued from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).  

Verification that a teacher meets the TK employment eligibility requirements is the responsibility of a Local Education Agency (LEA; school district or county office of education), not the candidate’s institution of higher education.  

Separately, an individual may qualify to teach TK by earning a PK–3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential. This credential may be applied for as an ‘add on’ after the Multiple Subject credential is granted, provided the Multiple Subject credential holder meets one of the requirements in #1-3 above. Those interested in ‘adding on’ the PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential to their Multiple Subject Credential may do so by applying directly to CTC and submitting the required documentation and fees. 

Candidates can take coursework related to TK eligibility at any accredited institution of higher education, including Chapman University. Chapman students who opt to enroll at another institution in addition to Chapman University (called concurrent enrollment) to obtain additional credits toward fulfilling the TK eligibility requirement must adhere to the concurrent enrollment rules in the Chapman University Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs. Note, enrollments across institutions in excess of certain credits may impact  financial aid and are critical to consider before registering at more than one institution of higher education.  

Courses at Chapman University that may be eligible to meet the 24-credit requirement include the following; however, official determination is dependent on the LEA’s decision and regulations in effect at the time the candidate submits the courses for LEA review. Candidates should expect to submit course syllabi and/or other documents that show course content (course outlines, standards met, etc.) to the LEA for determination of final eligibility:  

Course Number & Title Credits
LBST 240: Children’s Literature 3
TCHR 471/571: Introduction to Exceptional Learners 3
TCHR I 409/TCHR 500: Literacy and Learning: PK-3 4
TCHR 464/TCHR 501: English Language Development for Exceptional Learners 3
PSYC 310: The Psychology of Learning 3
PSYC 323: Child Development 3
PSYC 330: Child Abnormal Psychology 3
PSYC 446: Children and Trauma 3
SOC 393: Child Abuse 3
MUS 478: Early Childhood Music 3

For those looking for additional coursework at community colleges within close proximity to Chapman, please visit the link to view a table of early childhood courses and contact persons for these programs. 

Because TK apportionment requirements are overseen by the California Department of Education (CDE), candidates are responsible for independently confirming current TK eligibility requirements when they seek employment. Additional guidance is available at CTC Transitional Kindergarten Assignment Resources and the California Department of Education TK FAQ webpage.  

Questions may be directed to the CDE at mailto:UPK@cde.ca.gov. Chapman students may seek assistance with applying for a Child Development Teacher Permit (#3 above) from the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE), which is an LEA.