Early Childhood Special Education Credential: Special Education
The Education Specialist Preliminary Credential program in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) is committed to preparing individuals to lead and collaborate as educators in a variety of early childhood settings that include young children with disabilities. This includes settings in which children are receiving special education services through early intervention (birth – age 3) as well as within early childhood education programs (preschool, transitional kindergarten, and kindergarten). Coursework, field experiences/ student teaching (600 total hours), and other related activities within the credential program have a foundation in inclusion and equity-centered practices, emphasizing service delivery that is asset-based, culturally-responsive, and interdisciplinary. Individuals will gain knowledge and skills that will prepare them to support the learning and development of young children in partnerships with their families and communities.
Admissions
Admission and credential requirements include the following:
- A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. (Required for admission)
- Satisfy Subject Matter Competency Requirement: Successful passage of the CSET Multiple Subjects Test or by completing a subject matter program prior to admission. May be satisfied by completing the subject matter requirements outlined for the Multiple Subject or Single Subject Credentials. Required for all education specialist areas except Early Childhood Special Education. (Required for admission)
- Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of the United States Constitution, prior to award of credential. Applicants may satisfy the U.S. Constitution requirement either by coursework or examination.
- Satisfy Basic Skills Requirement: successful passage of the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), CSET Multiple Subjects Test plus CSET Writing Skills Test, OR an approved out-of-state basic skills exam. Refer to the department application for additional ways of satisfying the Basic Skills Requirement using the ELM/EPT, SAT, and/or ACT scores. (Required for admission)
- Complete Certificate of Clearance: Fingerprint Clearance via LiveScan and Commission on Teacher Credentialing online application process. (Required for admission)
- Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) examination, prior to award of credential. RICA is required for all education specialist areas, except Early Childhood Special Education.
- Apply for student teaching, with annual deadlines of February 28 for fall enrollment and September 28 for spring enrollment.
- Complete an approved program of professional preparation. Submit a Credential Approved Program (CAP) prior to student teaching reflecting all coursework completed or to be completed and non-curricular requirements (submitted with the application for student teaching).
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): must cover infant, child and adult CPR; an online course is not acceptable.
Early Childhood Special Education Credential: Special Education - 53 units minimum
Core (15 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| SPED 747 | Physical Disabilities and Sensory Impairments | 3 |
| SPED 788 | Law, Ethics, and Instructional Planning | 3 |
| Select One: | 3 | |
| Nature of the Autism Spectrum | ||
| Communication, Behavior and Instructional Supports: Autism | ||
| SPED 801 | Development, Diversity, and English Language Learners: Special Education | 3 |
| Health Education Requirement 1 | 3 | |
Method Courses (21 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| SPED 671 | Inclusive Social-Emotional Development & Equitable Practices for Children & Families in Early Educ | 3 |
| SPED 737 | Inclusive Learning and Supports in Early Intervention (Infants & Toddlers) | 3 |
| SPED 738 | Inclusive Curriculum Development and Supports in Early Childhood Settings (Preschool - Kindergarten) | 3 |
| SPED 777 | Introduction to Disability, Development, and Equity for Young Children and Their Families | 3 |
| SPED 779 | Family-Centered Practices and Services for Young Children with Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 780 | Equitable Assessment Practices for Young Children with Disabilities and Their Families | 3 |
| SPED 885 | Allyship, Leadership, and Collaboration for Young Children with Disabilities | 3 |
Clinical Fieldwork & Student Teaching (17-19 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| SPED 601 | Observation and Participation in Special Education | 1-3 |
| SPED 701 | Education Specialist Intern Teacher Support Seminar 2 | 3 |
| SPED 729 | Student Teaching Workshop: Early Childhood Special Education | 1 |
| SPED 730 | Student Teaching: Special Education | 9 |
| SPED 731 | Special Education Field Experience | 3 |
- 1
A list of CTC approved health education courses is available on the department website: https://sped.sfsu.edu/content/forms-0
- 2
Required only for intern teachers.