Child Development Permit Stipends FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the Child Development Permit Stipend Program.

Fees

  1. Do I send payment?
    No, CDTC pays the application fees on your behalf for the eligible permit levels listed on the Permit Stipend Page.
  2. How often will CDTC pay the processing fee for a Child Development Permit?
    Funding of a permit application fee is limited to one time each program year (July 1 – June 31). Funding is limited and applications are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  3. I did not complete the renewal requirements for my permit, will CDTC pay the fees for an extension?
    No, CDTC will not pay the fees to request an extension. The application must be submitted directly to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) with the $100 processing fee.
  4. I did not complete the renewal requirements for my Associate Teacher permit, will CDTC pay the fees to downgrade to Assistant?
    No, CDTC will not pay the fees to downgrade to an Assistant. The application must be submitted directly to the CTC with the $100 processing fee.
  5. Will CDTC reimburse me for my live scan fees?
    CDTC will reimburse $49 dollars for DOJ and FBI fees to applicants who have never been fingerprinted for the CTC before. Any "rolling" or "agency" fees charged by the live scan are not reimbursed. See the CDTC policies page for more information.

Fingerprints

  1. I think I have already had my fingerprints done for the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Is there a way to check? 
    Yes, go to ctc.ca.gov and choose “Search for an Educator”, then “Secured Search”. Enter the applicant date of birth and Social Security number as requested. If a record comes up, the top middle of the screen will show your fingerprint status. If this shows “Completed”, you may include that with your application in lieu of the fingerprinting form. Otherwise, you will need to do your fingerprints using the CTC form included n your application packet.
  2.  My permit is expired. Do I have to redo my fingerprints? If your permit has been expired for less than 18 months, you do not need to redo them. Use the method in #1 above to check your fingerprint status and include the "Completed" status with your permit application.
  3.  My employer/school/Social Services license required fingerprints. Do I have to do them again for my Child Development Permit?
    Yes. The first time you apply to the CTC you must submit a Live Scan fingerprinting that is specifically for the CTC. Live Scan fingerprint information is not shared among different agencies. Use the method in #1 above to check your fingerprint status for confirmation on whether the Commission has your live scan results.
  4. Do I need to submit another Live Scan if I am upgrading or renewing my permit?
    Not if your current permit is still active. If your fingerprints are already on file with CTC for a credential or other permit, you do not need to submit another Live Scan fingerprinting, unless your permit has been expired for 18 months or more. To be sure, you can use the method in #1 above to check.
  5. Will CDTC reimburse the DOJ and FBI fees if I must have another Live Scan done?
    No, CDTC will only reimburse for the initial Live Scan done for the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. See our policies for more information.
  6. Where do I get fingerprints done?
    Any live scan agency can submit your prints using the form included in your application packet. It is recommended to shop around for pricing, as agencies add fees for services and these can vary. You can also get more information about live scan providers on the Attorney General's website. You are not required to use the vendors listed on the AG website, it is linked as a resource only.
  7. Where do I get the live scan form?
    The form is part of our First Time Application packet, but you can also access the form on the Commission website here.
  8. How do I get reimbursed for the live scan/fingerprinting costs?
    The reimbursement form is part of our First Time Application packet. Only applicants who have not been fingerprinted for the Commission on Teacher Credentialing before are eligible for the CDTC stipend live scan reimbursement. If you have been fingerprinted for a certificate of clearance, teaching credential, or other CTC document, check your status using the instructions in #1 above to see if you have a completed status.
    The live scan reimbursement is only available if you have never been fingerprinted for the CTC before, and must be submitted with a complete application in order to be eligible for reimbursement.

Transcripts

  1. What are "official" transcripts?
    Official transcripts are those issued by an authorized agency. Paper transcripts must be on official security paper or have an official raised seal. Etranscripts must be mailed directly from the transcript provider to an authorized agency to be considered "verified true" copies. An authorized agency is typically a County Office of Education or CDTC. More information on transcripts is available on the CTC website here.
  2. Can I use etranscripts?
    Yes, etranscripts are allowed under limited circumstances. Etranscripts sent to the applicant email address will not be accepted.
  • The transcript agency must email the transcripts to an authorized agency, such as a County Office of Education or CDTC. The email address must show on the coversheet, verifying the transcripts were sent to an authorized agent.
  • Copies of transcripts will not be accepted. This include foreign transcripts.
  • Etranscripts sent directly to the Commission cannot be used with a CDTC stipend request/application.
    Note: If applying directly to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and sending etranscript to the Commission, you must  use the authorized digital credential services listed on their website.

3. Can I open paper transcripts? They are marked "Official unless opened".
Yes, you can open paper transcript envelopes. Printed transcripts do not need to be kept in a sealed envelope. Opened transcripts are accepted so long as they are on official security paper or have an official raised seal.

4. Will my transcripts be returned?
No, transcripts are not returned once they have been sent to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. This includes foreign transcript evaluations and documents.

Eligibility Questions

  1. Which permit am I eligible for?
    The Child Development Permit Matrix shows the requirements for each level of permit. Option 1 requirements are listed in columns 2 and 3 – academic and employment requirements. Option 2 requirements are listed in column 4 – most of these require a degree (not certificate) but no employment hours.
  2. How do I know if my course/units will be accepted for the permit?
    The CDTC does not evaluate courses or transcripts for eligibility. The Commission on Teacher Credentialing is the final authority on deciding which courses will be accepted. However, your local community college ECE department faculty, local Office of Education Credentials department, or our ECE Course Search may help you determine if a course is eligible.
    When in doubt, it is recommended that you include a course description with your application to verify the material covered in the course.
  3. What qualifies as field experience for a permit?
    Field experience differs from work experience. A field experience course frequently has "Practicum", "Lab" or "field Experience" in the course title, although this may not always be the case. Field experience is a supervised course where the educator has experience with the children - not just observation. The final decision on whether to accept a course lies with the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
  4. What qualifies as adult supervision for a permit?
    Adult supervision is a course covering the methods and principles of supervising adults. This includes supervising student teachers, volunteers, staff and other adults in an education setting. Course titles may include terms such as Mentor or Supervision. Two Adult Supervision units are required for a Site Supervisor or Program Director permit under Option 1. The final decision on whether to accept a course lies with the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
  5. What qualifies as administration for a permit?
    Administration courses cover management and administration of early childhood programs. Personnel, budgets, regulations, legal and ethical responsibilities may be part of the coursework. Six Administration units are required for a Site Supervisor or Program Director  permit under Option 1. The final decision on whether to accept a course lies with the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Work Experience 

  1. What is considered work experience?
    A child development permit requires experience working with children aged birth to 5 years for the time specified in the Child Development Permit Matrix. Experience is counted by days, not hours; working eight hours in a day or three hours in a day both count as one day for the permit requirement. Experience does not need to be paid to qualify. Practicum or supervised field work, volunteering and internships are examples of acceptable work experience.
  2. Who can sign a work experience form?
    Any "authorized" person can verify work experience. This may be a professor, supervisor, mentor or HR employee. Check with the agency where you completed your hours to determine who is authorized to sign. You may not sign your own work experience form. (Owners of home based child care agencies, see the Family Child Care section of the FAQs.)
  3. What if I no longer work at the agency I had experience at?
    A previous employer can still sign to verify your hours. Current employment is not required to obtain a permit.
  4. What if I own my own home based childcare business?
    See the Family Child Care section of the FAQs for more information.
  5. What if my agency is closed due to COVID? 
    The Commission on Teacher Credentialing is accepting esignatures at the time this was published. A Verification of Experience form can be emailed to an employer for signature, signed, scanned and returned to the applicant to include with the application.

Renewals

  1. Can I renew my permit after it has expired?
    Yes, the CTC allows you to renew your permit any time after it has expired. If you renew your permit more than 18 months after the expiration date, and hold no other documents with the Commission, a new Live Scan (fingerprinting) is required. (See live scan information above.)
  2. I need to renew my Associate Teacher permit, but I did not complete the additional 15 units, is there an extension?
    The CTC does not automatically grant extensions for Associate Teacher permits. You need to provide proof as to why the additional course work was not completed. For example, if you or an immediate family member were ill during the five-year renewal time. More information regarding extensions is available on the CTC website here. The CDTC stipend does not cover the fee for extensions.
  3. Can I renew online?
    Permit levels for Teacher and higher can renew online at ctc.ca.gov. Stipends for online renewals may be available. Check the Permit Stipend page for more information.
  4. Where do I find a Professional Growth Advisor?
    The CDTC no longer maintains a list of Professional Growth advisors on our website. We recommend contacting your local County Office of Education to see if they have a list or resource. Your local community college may also have a resource or advisor available. Lastly, you can use the Professional Growth Manual tips on page 5 to find a colleague or supervisor who may be able to serve as your advisor. You can find the Professional Growth Manual here.

Family Home Care Owners

Note: Be sure to download application packets from the "Licensed Family Child Care (FCC) Owners" section of the Permit Stipend page for the correct forms and instructions for owners of home based child care programs.

  1. How do I verify experience since I work for myself?
    The Verification of Experience form included in the application documents is used to verify your eligibility for the level of permit you are seeking. You must also include a copy of your child Care Home License along with this form.
  2. How do I verify current employment as a home based provider?
    The Verification of Attendance form included in the application documents is used to show recent child care experience. The application must have THREE forms from three different families/parents verifying attendance for their child.
  3. I have already been fingerprinted for the Department of Social Services to get my license. Do I have to be fingerprinted again?
    Yes. The first time you apply to the CTC you must submit a Live Scan fingerprinting that is specifically for the CTC. Live Scan fingerprint information is not shared among different agencies. If you think you have already had them done, see #1 in the live scan section fo the FAQs for information on how to check your fingerprint status with the Commission.

Miscellaneous

  1. Can I submit my application online as a first-time applicant or for an upgrade?
    No, the CTC requires Form 41-4 in hard copy and official transcripts showing you meet the educational requirements, so online only options are not available for these types of permits.
  2. How long will it take for me to receive my permit after I have applied, if it is granted?
    The Child Development Training Consortium (CDTC) takes 2-3 weeks to process an application for the stipend and will send a confirmation email with the date it is mailed to the CTC.
    The Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) takes approximately 2 ½ months to process an application once it has been received. Check the status of your permit in your Educator Account at www.ctc.ca.gov approximately 3 weeks after it has been received at the CTC. Your permit status will show “Pending Evaluation” while the application is waiting to be processed.  
  3. How do I get a copy of my Child Development Permit?
    The Commission no longer mails documents to educators. You must print the permit document from the CTC web site using your Educator Account. Written instructions and a video tutorial is available on the CTC page here. 

Still have questions? Contact us