Extensive Support Needs Special Education Specialization
Preliminary Teaching Credential
The Preliminary Education Specialist Credential in Extensive Support Needs Special Education prepares educators and other professionals to work with students with a wide range of disabilities in grades K-12, and adults up to age 22.
There are 2 options in the Extensive Support Needs program:
Authorization
The Education Specialist Credential in Extensive Support Needs allows individuals to teach students k-12 with moderate to severe disabilities, including autism, intellectual disabilities, and multiple disabilities, across a range of educational environments and settings.
- Resource rooms or services
- Special education settings
- General education settings
- Special schools
- Home/hospital settings
- State hospitals
- Development centers
- Correctional facilities
- Non-public, non-sectarian schools and agencies
- Alternative and non-traditional instructional public school settings other than classroom
Admissions
Apply online and allow yourself adequate time to gather the information and complete the application. There are a number of details that require your attention, and in some cases you may have to request information from others. If you have questions or need clarifications after you have reviewed all of the material, you may contact the department office for assistance.
Special Educators in the Spotlight
Extensive Support Needs (ESN)
The Extensive Support Needs specialization includes autism, deaf-blindness, moderate to severe intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities, and serious emotional disturbance. It gives you permission to teach in grades K–12 and in classes organized primarily for adults through age 22.
Credential Levels
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing issues a two-level special education teaching credential. The levels are ‘preliminary’ and ‘clear’. A Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential is the first document issued after an individual has met basic credential requirements. The Clear credential is issued once all credential requirements have been completed including a commission-approved Teacher Induction Program.
Advising
Related Programs
Extensive Support Needs