Existing law allows the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (Commission) to set standards for issuing and renewing teaching credentials and requires minimum qualifications for a professional services credential specializing in pupil personnel services, such as school counseling and child welfare.
The law permits local educational agencies (LEA) to offer preparation programs for these credentials, particularly in child welfare, if the professional preparation program meets standards of program quality and effectiveness as established by the Commission. AB 606 amends existing law to remove the reference to “child welfare.” Instead, it provides that for a service credential with a specialization in pupil personnel services in any area other than the area of child welfare and attendance, an approved program of professional preparation shall be in partnership with a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
AB 606 requires that the Commission issue a preliminary professional services credential with a specialization in pupil personnel services to an out-of-state applicant who meets the following requirements:
(A) Possesses a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education;
(B) Has earned a valid corresponding pupil personnel services credential specialization in school counseling, school social work, or school psychology, based upon an out-of-state preparation program; and
(C) Has successfully completed a criminal background check conducted under California law for credentialing purposes.
The bill also allows the Commission to issue a preliminary two-year credential, with the option to renew for another two years. The renewal is conditioned on the credential holder demonstrating satisfactory progress, as determined by the employing LEA and pursuant to the LEA’s established criteria.
(AB 606 amends Section 44266 of, and to add Section 44266.5 to, the Education Code.)