<p>Hi, first off I'm new so sorry if this post is in the wrong section or it's been done in the past. </p>
<p>I have been doing a lot of college research lately and noticed that there are barely any GOOD colleges in California that offer programs in education. I specifically want to major in Elementary Level Education or at least Early Childhood Education and Development.
I want to be an elementary/kindergarten teacher.</p>
<p>I know I can always major in Psychology, but I feel like I need something better suited. I've looked San Diego State University and San Jose State and others, all have General Education majors and teaching credential programs, BUT.. I just wanted to know if there were any more prestigious schools or any colleges that offer specific majors in the field of education? </p>
<p>If I could go ANYWHERE, I would go to University of Pennsylvania. But that's a little far out of my reach. I'd rather stay in California. Any good colleges you recommend that fit my description?</p>
<p>I’ve heard it all depends on you. If you plan on going in that route, go to your local CSU or UC. At CSU Bakersfield, they have a good child development program, and tou have the early opportunity to student teach and earn your teaching credential in the side.</p>
<p>To become an elementary teacher in California, you need a bachelor’s degree in a broad field such as Liberal Studies and then you apply to a post-graduate credential program. The majority of the California State Universities offer undergraduate programs in various majors that fulfill the credential program requirements. Several CSUs offer credential programs. There is no reason to go out of state. The relative “prestige” of the undergraduate school you attend will have NO effect on your job prospects as a kindergarten or elementary teacher.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl561c.pdf[/url]”>http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl561c.pdf</a></p>
<p>So basically I can attend ANY school as long as they have good majors in Liberal studies? </p>
<p>Could I, lets say, just major in psychology? What if the school doesn’t have a graduate program for teacher credentials? Is it still a good idea to go there? </p>
<p>I know that UCSB and UC Davis have really good grad programs.</p>
<p>Why the concern about ‘good’ colleges, that you don’t feel CSUs are ‘good’ enough?</p>
<p>CSUs are teaching schools. Sonoma State has a program to get a credential and BA in 4 years</p>
<p>If you want to teach elementary Ed, talk to some teachers at elementary schools and learn about their career path.</p>
<p>Yes, you could major in psychology as long as you fulfill all the Commission on Teacher Credentialing requirements - just be sure you are working with your adviser to be sure. Yes, you can get your undergraduate degree at an institution that does not offer a credential program, but the advantage to attending a school that DOES offer a credential program is that there is ready access to advisers who are familiar with the credential program requirements. Here is a listing of the Professional Preparation programs in California: [Professional</a> Preparation Programs Matrix](<a href=“http://cig.ctc.ca.gov/cig/CTC_apm/all.php]Professional”>http://cig.ctc.ca.gov/cig/CTC_apm/all.php)</p>
<p>Again, where you get your degree will have little impact on your job prospects. The CSUs offer an excellent, affordable path to a teaching credential.</p>
<p>Thanks so much, a lot of my questions have been answered!</p>
<p>Are CSUs the only schools that offer a 4 year credential program, though? Or are you aware of any other schools that do so?</p>
<p>The credential program is a BS or BA plus 30 units (the 30 units is the credential program). Some schools have accelerated programs where the professional education classes are taken during your undergraduate years and you are ready to student teach upon obtaining your BA or BS.</p>
<p>Even programs that do not offer a formal accelerated program may allow upper-division undergraduates to take graduate courses, so you could accomplish the same thing at just about any school that offers a credential program. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>As Crizello points out SSU has a well respected and accelerated program that will get you into the classroom in 4 years. It is unique in that you do your GE and everything with the same group of students. </p>
<p>If my kid wanted to be a teacher, SSU would be high on the list. The campus is really nice too - It’s small for a CSU so, it feels almost private. There is also great on-campus housing.</p>
<p>Admission for the program is said to be pretty competitive but, I don’t know the threshold. </p>
<p>I’d suggest you contact the department and quiz them about the program and admission criteria. </p>
<p>Take a tour and talk to a few current students.</p>