California Administrative Services Credential
The Leadership Support Program (LSP) at UCLA is a vital support to new administrators who are managing the complex ecology of the urban school and district. These new administrators are reform-minded leaders who, first and foremost, commit to improving the achievement for all students. Through the LSP components, novice administrators expand and deepen their expertise in the knowledge, skills and dispositions required for successful leadership in urban schools. The Leadership Support Program at UCLA is a partnership with the University of California at Berkeley. The new cohort will begin in late September with a full-day retreat.
The components of LSP at UCLA are:
- Individual Induction Plans
- On-site Coaching and Mentoring
- Group and Individual Problem Solving
- Monthly online meetings facilitated by experienced school leaders
In order to receive a Clear Administrative Credential from the State of California, you need to indicate the completion of a California Administrative Services Credential Program. Our program builds on the work that candidates completed in the Principal Leadership Institute (PLI).
We are currently accepting applications for the 2025–2027 LSP cohort. We are admitting students on a rolling basis and will accept applications until all spots in the cohort are filled. The program begins in late September 2025.
- Candidates must hold a leadership administrative position.
- Candidates must possess (or have applied for) a valid California Preliminary Administrative Service Credential.
- Fees for the entire two-year program: $10,000
- This program can only accept full-time administrators.
The cost of the program is $5,000 per year for 2 years. $10,000 total to complete the program.
We offer two different payment plans: an annual 3-payment plan as well as a pay-by-semester plan.
What is the time commitment?
Your induction plan and coaching will center around the work you are engaged in daily at your school or office. Online seminars are once per month for 2.5 hours. A coach will be assigned to mentor you and will visit you on site. Your work with the coach will be for 3 hours per month. Coaching may also include written and/or telephone communications. You will work with a coach for a minimum of 30 face-to-face hours each year.
How does the coaching work?
You will work with your coach to identify personal goals each year. The coach will meet with you to consult and/or observe you in your work as a school leader to offer support and feedback. Each relationship is customized and personal. All coaches are trained for coaching and are experienced school leaders.
Who will my coach be?
We believe that any of our coaches are qualified to help you, but you will be matched with a coach based on a number of factors (i.e., your position, type of school, geography, and the identity and experience of both the coach and the coachee).
Where will I meet my coach?
You will be introduced to your coach at the first retreat in September. Generally, you will meet with your coach at your work site. There may be occasions where you arrange to meet in an alternative location convenient for both of you.
How does the online piece work?
You will be assigned to a small group of LSP administrators in your cohort with whom you will meet online each month. An experienced school leader from UC Berkeley’s staff will facilitate your small group (4-6 members). You will work together on problem-solving strategies and other assignments related to the work of the school leader. These meetings are in the evening (6-8:30 pm). You can logon from your office or from your home.
Are any face-to-face meetings required?
There are no summer meetings, and the monthly online meetings are also skipped in Dec., March and May. LSP Participants complete alternative independent assignments during these months (workshops, site visits, or personal learning modules).
If you are a UCLA PLI alum, you do not need to complete this application. Please reach out to LSP Coordinator, Chuck Flores () directly for next steps.
To complete this application, you will need:
- Your Resume (including the names of 3 references)
- Responses to 2 Essay Questions:
- Essay Question 1: Equity Challenges.
Explain two challenges around equity that you are facing as a leader in your current context. Be explicit about why these are equity challenges and about any steps you have taken (or might take) to address them. - Essay Question 2: Personal Identity and Leadership.
How does your personal identity (or identities) impact your leadership? Give specific examples—from past experience or about what you will need to consider moving forward.- We suggest writing about 500 words per prompt—but we’re looking to learn about you, not for a specific word count. Please put both your responses on one document.
- Essay Question 1: Equity Challenges.
The Leadership Support Program at UCLA is a partnership with the Leadership Support Program at University of California at Berkeley.
