California Requirements to Be a Kindergarten Teacher: What You Need to Know

Kindergarten is one of the most formative years for young learners, and kindergarten teachers play a vital role in student success at this stage.

But how do prospective kindergarten teachers learn their craft? Where do you learn how to be a kindergarten teacher?

It all starts in the classroom—in an education degree program or a California credentialing program, to be more specific. California teachers must fulfill multiple prerequisites to earn their first credential.¹

Our guide below will explore the requirements to be a kindergarten teacher: from degree programs to student teaching and beyond.

Education Requirements for Kindergarten Teachers in California

If you want to be a kindergarten teacher in California, you need to complete a bachelor’s degree program.²

If you have yet to enroll in a bachelor’s program, you have two options if you want to pursue a career in education:

1. An education-related degree – Majoring in education, early childhood education, or a relevant teaching major is one of the most popular options for future kindergarten teachers. Many bachelor’s programs in education offer a fast track to credentialing by including student teaching and credentialing preparation in the curriculum.
2. A non-education degree – Alternatively, you could pursue a degree in another field. California teachers do not have to have degrees in education to pursue credentialing; this is good news if you are considering pivoting to teaching from another career.

For students choosing their undergraduate coursework—education majors or otherwise—consider taking classes in the following areas to prepare to teach kindergarten:

• Child development
• Classroom management
• Teaching strategies and pedagogy
• Child psychology

Additionally, if you are considering special education, it is important to understand how different degree programs can support your career goals. For instance, the benefits of an EdS degree may provide specialized knowledge in teaching strategies for students with disabilities, which can be invaluable for educators in inclusive classrooms.

Explore CA Teaching Credentials

What Courses Should I Take to Become a Kindergarten Teacher in California?

Early childhood education bachelor’s programs typically include courses related to:

• Literacy development
• Educational psychology
• Curriculum planning

These specialized courses can help prepare aspiring California teachers for success in the classroom.

If you have not already completed a bachelor’s program, consider signing up for courses like these as electives or supplemental courses.

Certification and Licensing Requirements in California

Teaching certifications and licenses go by a unique name in California: credentials.

In order to become the teacher of record in a classroom, you must receive a credential. The four most common credential areas are:³

• PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction
• Multiple Subject
• Single Subject
• Education Specialist Instruction

While teachers with these credentials can all teach kindergarten, the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential is one of the most popular options for would-be kindergarten teachers.

So, what is a teaching credential exactly? A teaching credential is a certification issued by the state that qualifies educators to teach specific subjects or grade levels.

In order to apply for this credential, you must:⁴

• Complete a bachelor’s degree program (or an advanced degree)
• Meet the Basic Skills Requirement (taking the CBEST exam is one possible route)⁵
• Prove subject matter competency by:
  • Passing an examination
  • Completing an elementary subject-matter credentialing program
  • Completing relevant, state-approved courses
  • Completing an interdisciplinary degree program (e.g., Liberal Studies)
  • Meeting a combination of these requirements
• Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)
• Complete a course or pass an examination related to the US Constitution
• Complete a multiple-subject credentialing preparation program
• Serve as a student teacher in a classroom

Future teachers must also complete Live Scan Fingerprint Processing and a TB test before their credential is approved. ^6,7

Skills and Qualities Needed to Be a Successful Kindergarten Teacher

In addition to meeting educational requirements, future teachers should develop skills like:

• Patience
• Communication
• Creativity
• Adaptability

While these may be considered “soft skills” in any other workplace, they are critical for kindergarten teachers. Other key skills include:

• Classroom management – To run a functional classroom, teachers must manage the behavior, social-emotional, and learning needs of students.⁸
• Emotional intelligence – Kindergarten can be a challenging transition for students—especially those who did not attend Pre-K.⁹ Kindergarten teachers must be able to help students work through emotions like homesickness, jealousy, and separation anxiety.
• Fostering a positive learning environment – Kindergarten sets the stage for the rest of a student’s time in the school system. So, kindergarten teachers must imbue an excitement about learning that motivates students for years to come.

Work Experience and Student Teaching Requirements in California

California requires all prospective teachers to complete a student teaching experience before applying for their first credential. Future teachers can accomplish this in two ways:

• Completing a bachelor’s in education – Many bachelor’s programs in education incorporate student teaching experiences in their curriculum, so, education majors will teach students in order to graduate.
• Taking a credentialing program – Most prospective teachers must complete one of the California Teaching Credential Programs to fulfill their credentialing requirements. These programs typically require student teaching.

Student teaching is a critical experience for would-be teachers in California. Student teaching helps future educators hone their skills, learn to meet state standards, practice their classroom management, and more.

Steps to Becoming a Kindergarten Teacher in California

How long does it take to become a kindergarten teacher? The steps below can take between one and five years—the pace depends on your background and circumstances.¹⁰

1. Earn a Relevant Degree

Since all credentialing applicants in California must complete a bachelor’s degree or higher, the first step to becoming a teacher in the state is earning a degree.

Future teachers have a few options:

• Bachelor’s degree – Bachelor’s programs (in education or another field) are a common route for first-time college students with teaching aspirations.
• Master’s degree – If you already have a bachelor’s in education or another field, you may choose to pursue a master’s degree before applying for a credential to take education-related courses, specialize (in early childhood education, for instance), or expand your network.
• Doctoral degree – Depending on your long-term goals in education, a doctoral degree (like an EdD) may help you hone your skills while preparing for a career in leadership or administration.

2. Complete Student Teaching

If you enroll in an education-specific degree program (to pursue a bachelor’s or a more advanced degree), student teaching will likely be a graduation requirement for your program. If this is the case, you should prepare to balance your student teaching experience with coursework responsibilities.

If you get a degree in a non-education field, you will likely participate in student teaching during your California credentialing program, a state-approved program designed to prepare future teachers for credentialing and a successful classroom career.

For those interested in special education, the path may look slightly different. If you are wondering how to become a special education teacher in California, you will need to complete a specialized credentialing program focused on meeting the requirements of students with needs.

Future kindergarten teachers can make the most of their student teaching experiences by:¹¹

• Visiting multiple classrooms – Even if you are assigned only one classroom, consider shadowing other kindergarten teachers to get a feel for different approaches.
• Attending school events – Get engaged in your school community by attending science fairs, arts events, and other school activities.
• Experiencing Pre-K – Visiting a Pre-K classroom will help you get a feel for how teachers are preparing students for kindergarten.

3. Obtain State Certification

After completing educational requirements, a credentialing program, and a student teaching requirement, you may need to sit for certain exams before applying for your credential.

Two potential exams required to apply for the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential include:

• CBEST – The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) is not usually required for applicants who have completed a college degree, but some applicants may need to take it.¹²
• RICA – The Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) is currently required for Multiple Subject credential applicants, but it will be phased out in June 2025.¹³ Ask your credentialing program administrators about potential RICA replacements.

After passing any required exams, you can apply for the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. After your credential is approved, you can begin teaching.

4. Apply for Teaching Positions

With a credential in hand, you can begin applying for teaching positions. You should also prepare for an in-depth interview process.

Expect questions related to:¹⁴

• Your favorite and least favorite subjects to teach
• Your professional and personal qualities
• Your student teaching experience
• Any past career experiences relevant to the field
• Classroom management
• Parent and guardian relationships
• Lesson planning and state standards

After landing a job, prepare for a rigorous year—many teachers report that the first year is one of the most challenging.¹⁵

5. Continue Professional Development

Your first credential as a California teacher will be a Preliminary Credential: a temporary certification that lasts for five years.

In order to receive a Clear Credential (the highest credential available in each area), you will complete an induction program. Induction programs typically last two years and include:

• Mentorship from experienced teachers
• Support from administrators
• Unique professional development opportunities

After completing a two-year induction program, you will qualify for a Clear Credential, an authorization that must be renewed every five years.¹⁶

Whether you are in an induction program or you have already received your Clear Credential, we recommend taking advantage of professional development opportunities both within and outside of your school system. Continuing education will help you stay up-to-date on child development knowledge, keep your skills sharp, and ensure that your lessons meet state standards.

Explore CA Teaching Credentials

Is Becoming a Kindergarten Teacher in California Right for You?

Being a teacher in California can be highly rewarding, but it is not without its challenges. So, how can you know if it is the best path for your career?

Teaching kindergarten may be right for you if:

• You are patient, emotionally intelligent and passionate about working with kids
• You can multi-task and adapt to changing conditions with ease
• You have a knack for breaking difficult concepts down into digestible pieces

However, teaching kindergarten may not be an ideal path if:

• You do not want to help children manage their emotions during a life transition
• You prefer working with older kids or teens
• You are inflexible when it comes to routines and timelines

Ultimately, you want to make sure that your skills and passions align with the job description before pursuing early childhood education.

Ready to Shape Young Minds in California? Here’s Your Next Step

Learning how to be a kindergarten teacher takes time. From undergraduate coursework to credentialing, you will likely devote multiple years to this pursuit.

But, if you are passionate about sharing knowledge with the next generation, teaching kindergarten may be the career for you.

Ready to explore the California credentialing process and become a teacher? Check out Alliant International University. We offer teacher credentialing programs for would-be kindergarten teachers, single-subject experts, special education teachers, and more. Plus, our programs are all online—our flexible format is a perfect fit for working professionals or people looking to pivot to teaching.

Request information about our teaching programs to get started.

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Sources: 

1. “Becoming a Teacher in California.” California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. October 22, 2024. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/roadmap-to-teaching/becoming-a-teach…. Accessed March 28, 2025. 
2. “Pathways to Credentialing.” California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. June 5, 2024. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/roadmap-to-teaching/becoming-a-teach…. Accessed March 28, 2025.  
3. “Becoming a Teacher in California.” California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. October 22, 2024. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/roadmap-to-teaching/becoming-a-teach…. Accessed March 28, 2025. 
4. “Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.” California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. July 1, 2024. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/multiple-subject-teaching-c…-(cl-561c). Accessed March 28, 2025.  
5. “Basic Skills Requirement.” California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. October 15, 2024. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/basic-skills-requirement-(cl-667). Accessed March 28, 2025.
6. “Fingerprint Information.” California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. February 6, 2025. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/fee-and-fingerprint. Accessed March 28, 2025. 
7. “California School Employee Tuberculosis (TB) Risk Assessment Questionnaire.” California Tuberculosis Controllers Association. May 6, 2020. https://ctca.org/wp-content/uploads/TBCB-CA-School-Staff-Volunteer-TB-R…. Accessed March 28, 2025.
8. “Classroom Management.” National Education Association. https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/classroo…. Accessed March 28, 2025.  
9. “A Successful Kindergarten Transition – NEA Parents Resources.” National Education Association. July 15, 2020. https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/tools-ti…. Accessed March 28, 2025. 
10. “Pathways to Credentialing.” California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. June 5, 2024. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/roadmap-to-teaching/becoming-a-teach…. Accessed March 28, 2025.  
11. “Making the Most of Student Teaching: Make the Experience Great.” National Education Association. March 10, 2022. https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/tools-ti…. Accessed March 28, 2025. 
12. “Basic Skills Requirement.” California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. October 15, 2024. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/basic-skills-requirement-(cl-667). Accessed March 28, 2025.
13. “Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA).” California Educator Credentialing Assessments. 2025. https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/. Accessed March 28, 2025.
14. Indeed Editorial Team. “33 Interview Questions for Kindergarten Teachers.” Indeed. January 28, 2025. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/interview-questions-f…. Accessed March 28, 2025. 
15. NEA Member Benefits. “What I Wish I Had Known.” National Education Association. https://www.neamb.com/work-life/what-i-wish-i-had-known. Accessed March 28, 2025. 
16. “Becoming a Teacher in California.” California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. October 22, 2024. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/roadmap-to-teaching/becoming-a-teach…. Accessed March 28, 2025.