Early Childhood Preliminary Credential
2-Semester Option
See requirements for the 2-Semester Option, Preliminary Education Specialist Credential in Early Childhood Special Education.
Program of Study: Preliminary Specialist Credential in Early Childhood Special Education.
Note: You can download program requirements as a printable PDF.
After completion of the Preliminary credential, candidates are eligible to take teaching positions. Following employment as a special education teacher, candidates have 5 years to complete Induction of the Clear Professional Credential.
Course Sequence
Prerequisites, 16 units
Historical, legal, and philosophical aspects of special education. Instructional and assessment support for access to general education curriculum. Meets requirements for preliminary multiple, single subject, and education specialist teaching credentials.
Theory, research, and processes in learning in relation to individuals with disabilities. Foundations of learning, development, and intervention.
Observation and participation in general and special education classrooms and related school activities for students with disabilities.
Characteristics, needs, and educational programs and services for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with disabilities and their families. Legislative requirements, models of service delivery, recommended practices, and family diversity.
Historical and philosophical perspectives of cultural pluralism in special education and programs related to diverse students with disabilities. Research on curricular approaches and instructional needs. Sociocultural aspects related to disability, race, ethnicity, gender, and language.
Required to obtain your Preliminary Credential per CTC, CA or to be taken during the program:
- TE 280 ^ (Health Ed for Teachers)– Required to obtain your Preliminary Credential per CTC, CA. (Can be taken in prior semester) For further clarification contact the Office for Student Success at (619) 594-6320.
- CPR Training ^
- U.S. Constitution ***
Semester 1, 15 units + practicum
Characteristics, needs, and supports for individuals with physical, health, and sensory impairments in educational, home, and community settings. Implications of health concerns for programming.
Positive behavioral supports for students with disabilities in general and special education settings. Current theories and programs in functional assessment and behavioral change. Applications in educational and community environments with diverse students.
Ecobehavioral and developmental techniques and procedures to measure development, relationships, and environments. Administration of measures in class and in field.
Role of parents and caregivers in supporting and enhancing developmental outcomes. Home visitation programs, practices, and techniques. Field experience working with families at risk.
Culminating practicum for Education Specialist Credential. Participation supervised by a special educator. May be repeated in other specialties.
Semester 2, 11 units + practicum
Language acquisition and early literacy development. Brain development and socio-emotional learning. Applications of developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive practice to enhance language, literacy, and school readiness.
Developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs and services for young children with disabilities. Selecting and adapting curriculum and instructional approaches, collaborating with families from diverse cultural/linguistic backgrounds, and monitoring program effectiveness.
Collaboration, legislation, and individualized special education program planning skills for working with community resources, parents, and school personnel. Goals, interpersonal processes, legal and ethical issues, listening and questioning techniques, objectives, outcomes, and team functions focused on developing and implementing an individualized education plan.
Culminating practicum for Education Specialist Credential. Participation supervised by a special educator. May be repeated in other specialties.
* Not required for candidates who possess a Multiple Subject or Single-Subject Teaching Credential from a California program sponsor. Individuals who acquired their Multiple Subjects or Single Subjects equivalent credentials outside of California are required to have a course in educational psychology or take this class or submit substitution forms proving course of a similar content was successfully completed at another institution.
** It will not be offered in summer; students are admitted to the program in Fall must take SPED 528 concurrently with Semester I course.
*** Candidates for the Preliminary credential must demonstrate knowledge of principles and provisions of U.S. Constitution through successful completion of a 3-unit college level course or examination.
For further clarification contact the Office for Student Success at (619) 594-6320.
# Not required for candidates who possess a Multiple or Single Subjects credential inclusive of CLAD or EL authorization.
^ This requirement must include verification of training in Cardiopulmonary (CPR) which covers infant to child and adult CPR skills.
Note: Any interns must also enroll in DLE 925
Petitions to Substitute or Waive course(s) must be turned in the semester prior to being admitted to the credential program.
This information is subject to change without notice. Every effort is made to ensure this information is current and accurate.
Revised 7/29/22
