Preliminary Education Specialist: Early Childhood Special Education, Intern Option, Credential
Preliminary Credentials Admission Requirements
In addition to the general program admission requirements, the following prerequisites are common to all Preliminary credential programs (Intern and Student Teaching Options):
- Verification of Subject Matter through the CSET Exam or through a CTC-approved Subject Matter Program or coursework (for additional information please see Ways to Meet Subject Matter (csudh.edu) Notes: 1. Subject Matter is not required for the ECSE credential. 2. Subject Matter is required to enter Final Fieldwork in the Student Teaching Option. 3. Subject Matter is required to apply for an Intern Credential in both MMSN and ESN programs.
- Verification of U.S. Constitution requirement through university coursework with a minimum grade of C or passage of the US Constitution Exam.
- Valid Certificate of Clearance.
- Tuberculosis test and vaccination verifications.
In addition to the general program admission requirements, the following are specific for the Intern Option only:
- Verification of full-time employment in an appropriate teaching position in a public school district, non-public school (NPS), or charter school with CSUDH Memorandum of Understanding (Intern Agreement).
- Successful completion of the three pre-service courses (SPE 480 Educating Exceptional Children and Youth; SPE 458 Positive Classroom Environments and SPE 462 Language, Literacy and Cognition) or the equivalent with a grade of "B-" or better for advancement to Intern status. Candidates who hold a Preliminary or Level I credential in another specialization or General Education may take the Pre-services classes in the first semester of their Internship.
- Proof of advisement from Special Education Faculty or Advisor prior to applying for the Intern Credential.
- Submission of Intern Credential Application and obtaining verification of the Intern Credential issued by CCTC.
Preliminary Credentials Program Requirements
- A minimum GPA. Candidates must maintain an overall "B" average in all Special Education coursework. No course grade lower than a "B-" may be used toward any credential. Note: TED courses in the Preliminary credential must have a grade of "C" or higher.
- Field Experience. Candidates must have access to classrooms to complete field experience coursework.
- Transfer Credit. A maximum of 9 units of coursework from an accredited college or university; coursework must be no older than seven (7) years from the date of credential completion.
- Time Limit on Coursework. Candidates must complete all of the requirements for the degree or credential within seven (7) years. This time limit commences with the semester of the earliest course used on the candidate's program of study. Outdated coursework must be repeated and validated (see University Policy on Outdated Coursework).
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A. Required Courses | ||
| SPE 451 | Biomedical Information and Technological Interventions with Children with Disabilities | 3 |
| SPE 454 | Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood Special Education | 3 |
| SPE 458 | Positive Classroom Environments | 3 |
| SPE 461 | Typical and Atypical development and Assessment Issues in Special and General Education | 3 |
| SPE 462 | Language, Literacy and Cognition | 3 |
| SPE 467 | Assessment in Special Education | 3 |
| SPE 480 | Educating Exceptional Children and Youth | 3 |
| SPE 488 | CalTPA for Educational Specialists | 2 |
| SPE 549 | Seminar in Infants and Toddlers in Early Childhood Special Education | 2 |
| LBS 310 | Early Language and Literacy | 3 |
| B. Field Experience Requirements | ||
| SPE 523 | Special Education Intern Initial Field Experience/Seminar | 6 |
| SPE 525 | Special Education Intern Advanced Field Experience/Seminar | 6 |
| SPE 555 | Directed Teaching in Early Childhood Special Education | 13 |
| Total Hours | 53 | |