In response to Los Angeles County’s growing need for qualified early childhood educators and transitional kindergarten (TK) teachers, Pacific Oaks College and the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) have launched a three-year, $800,000 partnership designed to expand degree access, credential pathways, and student support for educators across the region.

Through this agreement, Pacific Oaks will provide bachelor’s degree pathways and comprehensive academic advising tailored to participants in LACOE’s Universal Prekindergarten-Career Development Initiative (UPK-CDI) and other education professionals. Programs will integrate trauma-informed and culturally responsive teaching practices, which are hallmarks of Pacific Oaks’ community-rooted approach. The partnership is designed to align degree pathways and student support with regional workforce needs.

“Expanding and sustaining the early childhood workforce is critical for families across Los Angeles County,” said Breeda McGrath, Ph.D., president of Pacific Oaks College. “This partnership ensures that dedicated educators, especially those who have historically faced barriers to higher education, can access clear pathways, strong mentorship, and the credentialing support needed to advance in their careers.”

Launched on January 5, 2026, the initiative has served 19 students so far, including first-generation learners, working adults, and current early childhood educators seeking to complete their degrees or earn credentials.

“Together, LACOE and Pacific Oaks College are opening more doors for dedicated educators to advance their careers and serve our youngest learners. This partnership strengthens clear degree and credential pathways, backed by culturally responsive, trauma-informed practices, so our workforce can meet the county’s growing demand for high-quality early childhood and TK instruction,” said Debra Duardo, Ed.D., Los Angeles County superintendent of schools.

Researchers from the Learning Policy Institute state that California districts need to hire up to 15,600 lead TK teachers to meet demand, and the five largest counties (including Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino) account for over half of the total estimated increased demand.

Under the partnership, Pacific Oaks students will benefit from faculty guidance, academic advising, and wraparound support to help them progress through coursework efficiently and complete one of three degree options:

• B.A. in Early Childhood Education
• B.A. in Human Development
• B.A. in Early Childhood Education with Credential

For more information on Pacific Oaks College or to apply to one of its programs, visit PacificOaks.edu. To learn more about the UPK-CDI, visit LACOE's Head Start and Early Learning Division.