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Inspire the Next Generation of Learners — and Grow Your Career in the Process

Whether you’re just starting your journey in early childhood education or you’re already working in the field and ready to upgrade your permit, we offer flexible, high-quality courses and programs that meet you where you are.

Our programs are developed with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) requirements in mind. This ensures that our coursework aligns with state standards and supports educators in meeting professional development goals or pursuing permit pathways.

Our ECE offerings include:

  • Certificates that build your skills and credentials for classroom or leadership roles.
  • Specialized Transitional Kindergarten (TK) training to meet California’s evolving requirements.
  • University Credit Courses (UCC) in both English and Spanish, which can help fulfill CTC general education permit requirements while expanding your expertise.

Find Your Path

Select the area that matches your current stage.

Certificate Programs in Early Childhood Education

For new and experienced educators looking to gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills for working with young children, families, and educational teams.

  • Early Childhood Education Teacher: Perfect for newcomers building a strong foundation for working with children from birth to age 8, and meets the CTC educational requirements for the Teacher Permit.
  • Infant and Toddler Care for Educators (New! Coming Soon!): Specialize in caring for and educating children aged 0–3 years—a critical period of development. Meets California Title 22 requirements and provides six specialization units toward the Title V Child Development Permit at the Master Teacher Level. Ideal for family childcare providers, home visitors, and licensed facility staff.
  • Practice-Based Coaching through Distance Learning: For experienced teachers who want to mentor and coach other educators.
  • Advanced Teaching and Administration in Early Child Care Settings: Ideal for educators ready to take on program director or administrative roles.

Teaching Transitional Kindergarten

For credentialed teachers who want to work with 4–5-year-old learners and meet the growing demand for TK classrooms in California.

  • Teaching Transitional Kindergarten: Support the unique learning needs of young children at a critical developmental stage, bridging the gap between preschool and kindergarten.

University Credit Courses (UCC) Offered in Spanish

For students looking to earn transferable credits or explore university-level subjects in their native language. These are designed to help you fulfill CTC permit requirements for general education coursework* while strengthening your college applications.

  • ANTH XR001 – Cultural Anthropology (Social Science); Offered in Fall
  • PHYS XR037 – The Origins (Physics); Offered in Fall
  • PHIL XR007 – Introduction to Critical Thinking (Humanities); Offered in Winter
  • ENGL XR012R – Chicana & Chicano Literature (English/Language Arts); Offered in Spring
  • ETST XR001 – Introduction to the Study of Race and Ethnicity (Social Science); Offered in Spring
  • ANTH XR005 – Introduction to Archaeology (Social Science); Offered in Summer

*Our courses are accredited by WASC. Credit transfer is subject to the policies of the receiving institution. Always check with your receiving institution to determine transferability, as exclusions may apply. Applicability for subject credit is typically determined by a student's major department and by other institutions upon consideration of the full course syllabus. Enrollment in UCR Extension University Credit Courses does not constitute admission into a UCR degree program. Matriculated UCR students and UCR accepted students are not eligible to take UCC courses.

To learn more about how transfer credit is handled, please see UC’s Transfer Credit Policy.

Standalone Courses for Professional Growth and Career Advancement

For students looking to fulfill professional development requirements, satisfy employment or licensing criteria, support permit renewals or upgrades, or move up on the pay scale. These courses offer flexible options to build skills and meet career milestones on your own schedule.

  • EDUC X87.50 - Overview of Children with Special Needs for Early Care and Education Providers; Offered in Fall
  • EDUC X87.55 - Curriculum and Strategies for Children with Special Needs; Offered in Fall and Spring
  • EDUC X89.1 - Developing Effective Programs for Dual Language Learners; Offered in Fall and Spring

Why Choose UCR University Extension?

  • Flexible offerings
    • Courses offered in both English and Spanish
    • Courses can be taken in an online synchronous format with meetings that are offered in the evenings and/or on weekends
    • Courses can be taken in an online asynchronous format where you can access course materials, lectures, and assignments on your own schedule
  • Instructors with real-world classroom experience
  • Programs for new educators and seasoned professionals
  • Personal, bilingual CTC permit advising available by appointment

Shaping Futures, One Educator at a Time | What Our Students Are Saying

“Excellent programs, able to work around my schedule, and very accessible staff always willing to assist me in reaching my academic goals.”

— Belen P., Early Childhood Education Teacher Alum

"The experiences that my classmates shared were of great help to me; my teachers were always willing to clarify my doubts, and I had a journey full of great learning and emotions. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to continue our education."

— Rut, I., Teaching Early Child Care Settings Alum

Ready to Take Your Next Step?

If you plan to complete a full certificate, we recommend submitting your application before enrolling in your first course. This will:

  • Establish your candidacy in the program
  • Protect you from any future changes to program requirements

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