Can I be a preschool teacher in CA with no ECE units, but an Associates Degree?

Question

I have an A.A. in Liberal Arts and will be graduating with my B.A. in Psychology this Spring. I have taken child development classes, but none related to early childhood education. Would my application to work in a preschool be rejected?

Answer 1

the best thing to do is contact your state's licensing agency and ask them to speak to a licensing agent.  she should be able to tell you if your child development classes would qualify you or not.  good luck.

Answer 2

Most preschools require you to have at least 6 ECE units. I believe it is a licensing rule. Some smaller preschools will still hire you without them, but most require you to have something.

Answer 3

In California state licensing requires 12 units.  I do not suggest that you work in a unlicensed school, that is just asking for problems.  If you are near a military base, they only require a HS diploma and that you can read and write English.  In most cases the military pays better than the outside schools but you must be willing to continue your education for accreditation purposes.