Child Development Permit
What is the Child Development Permit?
The Child Development Permit is issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and authorizes service in the care, development and instruction of children in a child development program. It verifies that you have fulfilled the requirements, established by the CTC, for assisting, teaching or supervising in a child development program in the state of California.
Why do I need a Child Development Permit?
You must have a permit to be eligible to apply for jobs in subsidized centers funded by the Child Development Division of the California Department of Education. Other programs can choose to require permits as well. Holding a Child Development Permit expands your career options, allows for more opportunities for advancement, and tells employers that you have met a level of academic and professional qualification.
We encourage our ECD students to apply for the Child Development Permit as soon as they qualify and to upgrade their permits as they advance through their coursework.
What are the qualifications for a Permit?
The Child Development Permit has six levels:
- Assistant Teacher
- Associate Teacher
- Teacher
- Master Teacher
- Site Supervisor
- Program Director
Each level has different academic and work experience qualifications, and there are multiple ways to qualify for different permits.
Download the Child Development Permit Matrix, which details the qualifications for each level of the permit.
How do I apply for a Child Development Permit?
Make an appointment with Terra Lee, Professional Development Coordinator. She will review your coursework and determine your eligibility for a Permit, and give you the necessary application forms to complete. You may email Terra at CC-ECDPDC@chabotcollege.edu.
How much does it cost to apply for a Child Development Permit?
The application fee is $100 and fingerprinting costs $70-$90. There is usually funding available during the academic year to pay the application fee, and reimburse $50 for fingerprinting costs, for those applying for the first time for Assistant Teacher, Associate Teacher and Teacher Permits, for renewing those permits, and for upgrading from those levels.
Do I have to be fingerprinted? I was already fingerprinted for my job.
Yes, the permit requires a separate fingerprint run, even if you have been fingerprinted multiple times in the past.
I am finishing up the last class I need for the Associate Permit this semester. Can I apply now?
No, you cannot apply while you are finishing a class. The grade for your class must be on your transcript for you to apply.
What is the difference between a Certificate and a Permit?
A Certificate is issued by Chabot College, when you have completed coursework for a program of study. A Permit is issued by the State of California, shows you are qualified for employment, and requires coursework, work experience, a professional fitness screening and fingerprinting.
What kind of work experience qualifies?
The work must be with children 0-5, in a group setting such as a center or a Family Child Care. It can be volunteer time or paid work. Work as a nanny, baby-sitter, or au pair does not qualify, neither does work with children ages 6 and up.