CA AB1106

Commission on Teacher Credentialing must develop a competitive grant program awarding planning grants of up to $250,000 and implementation grants of up to $500,000 to regionally accredited institutions of higher education for creating or adapting teacher preparation programs leading to the PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Credential.

Grant recipients may use funds for faculty release time, hiring and training faculty in inclusive and culturally responsive practices, partnerships with community colleges, clinical experiences, student recruitment, marketing, academic supports, and tuition assistance.

Grant recipients must provide program and outcome data to the commission for at least 5 years after receiving the grant, including information on candidate demographics, credentials earned, bilingual authorizations, and time to degree completion.

Commission must give first priority to applicants committing to all three elements: bilingual authorization pathways, recruitment of candidates from early learning and care field reflecting local community demographics, and ratified articulation agreements with community colleges; second priority to those committing only to bilingual authorization pathways.

Implementation is contingent upon legislative appropriation in the annual Budget Act or another statute, with the commission authorized to use up to 1.5 percent of appropriated funds for administration.