Credentialing

Credential Recommendations 

At the conclusion of the program year, candidates who have successfully completed all their program requirements and have met any applicable additional credential requirements are eligible to receive a recommendation for the credential. Instructions to apply for credentials are available in the program course or on the VCOE credential programs website. Candidates must complete and submit a credential request form. All credential recommendations are prepared and processed by authorized members of the VCOE Educator Support team. Final responsibility for the accuracy, appropriateness, verification, and submission of each credential recommendation rests with the assigned VCOE Credential Program Advisor. 

Re-recommendation for a Credential

Once ESE has submitted a credential recommendation to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), candidates have 90 days to complete the CTC's Professional Fitness Questionnaire and pay the CTC's application fee. If the candidate does not complete this process within the 90 days, the CTC will cancel the recommendation. Candidates will need to contact the ESE credential program advisor to re-apply for the credential and will be assessed a $50 re-recommendation fee.

Licensure vs. Employment

Documentation submitted to Educator Support and Effectiveness for evidence of completion of a California Credential recommendation is confidential and may not be used for employment evaluation purposes. Completion of a Ventura County credential program and a recommendation for a credential does not imply or ensure continued employment. Licensure requirements and employment criteria may differ; however, full licensure is a primary consideration in any district’s/LEA's employment decisions. ESE programs and assignments (ILP, PLP, etc.) are non-evaluative with respect to employment, and will not be used for performance appraisal purposes.

Advisement 

Candidates who have questions about their eligibility for credential programs can contact the ESE Credential Program Advisor at academicadvise@vcoe.org. For questions about program scope and sequence, candidates should contact the Program Director. After admission, the ESE Credential Program Advisor is available to provide advice and assistance to credential program candidates concerning their professional growth and additional opportunities.

Enrollment

Eligibility

Eligibility for credential programs is determined by the ESE Credential Program Advisor, based on the credentials candidates already hold, and by the requirements of their employing school districts/LEAs. Click a program below for program-specific requirements. 

ESE Credential Programs:

Administrator Induction Program Handbook

Teacher Induction Program Handbook

Designated Subject Credentials Handbook

Orthopedic Impairment Added Authorization (OI) Handbook 

Admission

Admission to an ESE credential program is granted once the ESE Director and VCOE Credential Program Advisors have evaluated and approved a candidate’s application. An official notification of admission is provided to accepted credential program candidates. 

Application Process

The process for applying to an ESE credential program is on the ESE website (www.vcoe.org/ese).  Candidates must register and pay registration fees by the published deadlines.

ESE Credential Programs:

Administrator Induction Program

Teacher Induction Program

Designated Subject Credentials

Orthopedic Impairment Added Authorization (OI)

Candidate Nondiscrimination Policy

VCOE shall not unlawfully discriminate in admission, retention, or graduation against properly qualified and eligible individuals by reason of their actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, or sexual orientation. VCOE Board Policy 0410

Fees

Program Fees

The costs of credential programs are subject to change from year to year. ESE reserves the right to increase or modify listed program fees, without notice, until the date when instruction for the program year begins. Candidates employed by districts/LEAs that have elected not to pay the full costs of the credential program are responsible for paying the balance due by the end of the program year. Candidates may enter into installment payment agreements with ESE at the time of enrollment with the approval of the Program Director. Candidates who miss one or more approved payment plan due dates are in default, and their programs may be put on hold until payment is made, or they may be dropped from the program, at the discretion of the Director.

• Registration Fee: registration fees are due at the time candidates apply to a program. Fees are typically $175 per academic year and are non-refundable.  Registration fees are assessed for each academic year (July 1 – June 30) that a candidate participates in and are not prorated.
• Program Costs: TPSL Program costs are due upon registration.  If your district/LEA is paying for your program fees, please have your employer contact academicadvise@vcoe.org.  Once we have confirmation from your district/LEA, a coupon code will be sent to you to proceed with registration.
• Other program costs are generally due by November of each school year or, if on an approved installment plan, due by the end of the program year. Costs vary by program.
  • Teacher Induction
  • Administrator Induction
  • Career Technical Education (CTE)
  • Adult Education
  • Orthopedic Impairment Added Authorization
• Late Fees: late fees may be charged for program assignments submitted late without an approved extension requested in advance. Fees are typically $125 for each late assignment.
• Credential Re-Recommendation Fee: a re-recommendation fee is assessed if VCOE has recommended the candidate to the CTC for a credential authorization and the candidate does not complete the CTC's credental application process within their 90-day deadline (CTC cancels the recommendation after this deadline). This fee will be assessed to process an additional credential recommendation and is typically $50 for each re-recommendation.

Code of Conduct

ESE credential program candidates are expected to behave in a professional manner and follow the ESE Professional Code of Conduct.

Program Policies

Academic Accommodations

If accommodations for disability are needed, a candidate is responsible for requesting academic accommodations from the Educator Support and Effectiveness (ESE) Program Director and for providing documentation of disability. VCOE strives to provide its customers with assistance to meet reasonable requests.

Academic Integrity

Candidates, mentors, coaches, and other participants in Educator Support and Effectiveness programs are expected to conduct themselves professionally, treat colleagues and VCOE staff with respect, maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information, and uphold the highest standards of academic integrity.

VCOE Educator Support and Effectiveness supports the appropriate and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) as a learning and productivity tool. AI may be used to assist with brainstorming, organization, editing, and resource development; however, participants are expected to disclose its substantive use and ensure that all submitted work reflects their own professional thinking, experiences, and reflective practice. AI should enhance, not replace, authentic learning and professional growth.

Misrepresentation, plagiarism, cheating, falsification of work, the inappropriate or undisclosed use of AI, and other forms of academic or professional misconduct are violations of VCOE program standards and may result in review by the Executive Director. Consequences may include resubmission of work, additional program requirements, removal from the program, and, when warranted, referral to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Code of Conduct

ESE credential program candidates are expected to behave in a professional manner and follow the ESE Professional Code of Conduct.

Children 

ESE is unable to accommodate children at credential program orientations, trainings, conferences, and culminations; test preparation tutorials; or meetings held in the VCOE Conference and Educational Services Center. Upon request, ESE staff will provide nursing mothers with access to a lactation room in the Conference Center.

Equivalencies

Candidates who have completed program-related college or university coursework may be eligible for equivalencies that meet the program's standards-based competencies. Candidates who believe they might be eligible for equivalencies may contact the Credential Program Advisor at (805) 437-1320 or academicadvise@vcoe.org to make an appointment for an equivalency review and transcript evaluation. A fee will be charged for the review and evaluation. Granting of equivalencies may not change a candidate’s total credential program cost responsibility. Face-to-face and online course equivalencies are determined solely by ESE staff.

Extension, Leave of Absence, Withdrawal

While ESE credential programs are carefully designed to support candidates in completing program requirements by the Program Completion Date stated on the admission notice, unforeseen circumstances may interrupt participation and delay a candidate's program completion. Candidates with extenuating circumstances (see "Serious and Compelling Reasons") must contact the ESE Credential Program Advisor at academicadvise@vcoe.org or (805) 437-1320 to determine whether to request a program extension, leave of absence, or withdrawal. Approval of any such request is determined by the Program Director and is not guaranteed.

Incomplete Course Assignments

Candidates who do not complete all required course assignments by the specified due dates are assessed a late fee and given a specific late submission deadline. Candidates who do not complete the outstanding requirements by the late submission deadline are placed on a hold status in the program and their employer is notified. Candidates must schedule an appointment with the ESE Director for requirements to resume the program. (Withdrawal Policy)

Program Action Plans

If candidates are unable to complete program requirements in a timely manner and according to program expectations, the program director or coordinator will work with the candidate to make a plan for their success. They will share specific areas of concern with the candidate and seek additional information from the candidate. They will offer opportunities for the candidate to redo assignments or portions of the program as needed in order to meet performance expectations. An action plan may be created setting specific goals and a timeline in which the candidate can demonstrate improved performance and complete any missing or incomplete requirements. The written action plan may be shared with the candidate and their coach/mentor/field-based supervisor and, if needed, their employer’s human resources department. If a candidate’s performance does not meet the expectations of the action plan, the candidate may be withdrawn from the program. Candidates may appeal decisions using the established appeal process listed in this program handbook.

Grievance and Appeal Process 

Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) has secured a process for program candidates who wish to file a grievance or appeal regarding program policies, procedures, or requirements.

1. Please submit your written appeal, including a description of the issue/grievance, and email it to academicadvise@vcoe.org.
2. Once your written appeal is received, the Program Director will review it and interview you to clarify issues surrounding the grievance or appeal request.
3. Based on the interview and other information, the Program Director will make a determination and respond in writing.

Program Hold

A candidate who has not completed semester/module requirements and/or not paid applicable program fees by the due date may not begin the next semester/module until coursework and fees are completed.

Withdrawal

A candidate may be withdrawn from a credential program for reasons such as the candidate’s failure to make timely progress or abide by the ESE Professional Code of Conduct, or failure to submit an appropriate leave of absence communication. The notice of withdrawal is initiated by the Program Director after attempts to work with the candidate have been unsuccessful. Reasons for the withdrawal and consequences for the candidate are clearly stated in the notice, and the candidate's employer is copied on the notice.

Reassignment of Mentor/Coach/Field-Based Supervisor

If the initial pairing of a mentor/coach/field-based supervisor and a candidate is not supporting the candidate’s ability to complete program requirements, or either party is dissatisfied with the pairing, clear procedures are established for reassignments.

1. The candidate contacts the Program Director; the mentor contacts the District/LEA Coordinator.
2. The Program Director conducts an interview with the candidate or mentor to clarify issues surrounding the reconsideration of the mentor assignment.
3. Based on the interview, the Program Director proposes a remedy, that may involve facilitating a meeting between the candidate and the mentor to resolve presenting problems and/or working with the candidate’s employer to facilitate assigning a new mentor.

Serious and Compelling Reasons

Candidates who request an extension or leave of absence must have verifiable reasons for their requests. Approval of requests is not guaranteed.

Examples of serious and compelling extenuating circumstances that are not under a candidate’s control include, but are not limited to:

• Death of an immediate family member
• Major medical issue experienced by the candidate or an immediate family member
• Other extreme circumstances (considered on a case-by-case basis)

Examples of circumstances that are not considered extenuating or beyond a candidate's control:

• Being unaware of a deadline, procedure, or policy
• Experiencing scheduling conflicts with work and family commitments
• Having a heavy caseload
• Not knowing the date of a conference or face-to-face class or the opening/closing dates of an online course window

VCOE Uniform Complaint Procedure

Candidates who wish to file a complaint concerning a Ventura County Office of Education employee will follow the VCOE Uniform Complaint Procedure.

Transcripts

University Credit and Transcripts

California Lutheran University (CLU) offers Professional Development Courses for Educators units to candidates in the Teacher Induction Program, Designated Subjects Credential Programs, Language and Academic Development Credential, Orthopedic Impairment Added Authorization in Special Education, and New and Returning Mentor programs. Units are earned upon successful completion of the CLU course requirements. Units may be used toward salary credit, but candidates and mentors should check with their employing schools or districts regarding their specific salary credit policies. Registration forms for unit credit are available on Canvas. Candidates and mentors must apply for unit credit by the required deadline specified on the unit registration form and then request their official transcripts directly from the California Lutheran University registrar (www.callutheran.edu) after August 1. ESE staff cannot request transcripts on behalf of candidates, as official transcripts are confidential.

VCOE Program Transcripts

VCOE program transcripts may benefit candidates who leave their employing schools or districts and who anticipate that their completed work might be transferable to another CTC-approved program in California. To request official program transcripts, a candidate must complete a Transcript Request Form and pay applicable fees.