Orange County Department of Education

"Uncomfortable and concerned at the end. Generally, OCDE's staff was helpful in directing me to the new building due to recent expansion. As instructed, I submitted 2 requests for a livescan, a photo ID, and payment. Written instructions did not mention anything about verbally verifying sensitive information outloud; but the OCDE's employee, who took my paperwork, verbally stated my confidential and sensitive info and asked to confirm. Worst of all, the uncalled procedure was done in front of 2 unknown women sitting directly behind me. Needless to say, I was extremely uncomfortable and concerned because I was previously a victim of identity theft. I brought my concerns to the employee, but I am still very uncomfortable and very concerned in the process of revealing my confidential information outloud in front of others."

"My mom is a daycare provider and has had several bad encounters with the people working here. They are really rude to her and when she asks them for help they respond to her in a bad demeanor. There's only ONE lady that has been helpful and nice, they definitely need more employees like her. Department of education needs to get better employees who will actually help and respond in a professional manner. I know from the reviews that several people can agree with me.Next time someone is rude to my mom best believe I'll make sure to let them know that they will reported to a higher superior. It's not right to treat people the way they do!!"

"Their website is very unclear about procedures such as obtaining the substitute permit. I called and was sent to voicemail, and the recording NEVER mentioned about making an appointment and it isn't found on the website! Also, they never specified what kind of 'official' transcript I needed. I had bought mine through the student clearing house as a PDF and printed it, but they wouldn't take it because it wasn't the physical one in the envelope, because something about them not being able to accept e-scripts. That was never communicated to me and when I would ask questions they would seem to be extra annoyed. Every time I've gone in there has been a miscommunication about what is needed and they aren't the kindest. Every person I've come into contact with in the office has come off as rude or unnecessarily sassy. There are kinder and nicer ways to talk and interact with people and let them know what the procedures are. I also witnessed one of the clerks being mean and rude to a woman who was confused about the process because she wasn't informed either. Maybe if the website and voicemail recording were more clear, then there would be less confused people going into the office and creating more problems for the clerks at the credentialing office. I have spent over 6 hours of driving back and forth to this office. It could have only been two if there was clear communication of what is required on their website. Honestly, I probably wouldn't have been as upset if the staff was kind, but I felt like an inconvenience to them, as if helping me obtain my permit was not part of their job description. Use my terrible experiences as a warning for all who enter into the Credentialing office, especially for substitute teaching. Save yourself the miles, tears, trouble and frustration that I had to go through. This is information you won't find on their website or voicemail. 1. Make an appointment! 2. Have the mailed in version of your transcripts. They will not take PDF transcripts, even though you had to pay extra for them. 3. Have your CBEST Scores 4. Have your Drivers License or Passport 5. If you also need to get fingerprinted, bring in $131 to be fingerprinted"

"Sonia is the best very good service"

"Horrible IT policy regarding internet filtering, and horrible service to the public education system in regards to access of information."