(a) Notwithstanding Sections 10380 and 10383, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing may issue an assistant teacher permit that authorizes the permitholder to assist in the care, development, and instruction of children, subject to the supervision requirements described in subdivision (b). This assistance may include temporarily supervising children independently for no more than 120 minutes per day while the supervising employee leaves the classroom for purposes of offering flexibility for classroom support, during breaks, or escorting children outside of the classroom. The commission may issue a permit under this section provided that all of the following requirements are met:

1. (1) The applicant has at least six units from an accredited institution of higher education in early childhood education, child development, or human development, or a combination thereof.
2. (2) The applicant has an education plan updated each academic year and is enrolled in a course or courses to meet the requirements for the next level permit.
3. (3) The applicant is sponsored by an employer who has a current contract with the State Department of Social Services to be a child development program provider.