Extensive Supports Needs 2-Semester Option

Special Education Preliminary Teaching Credential

Course Sequence

Prerequisites: 13 units

Note: You can download program requirements as a fillable and printable PDF.

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.
 
Note: 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. 
Observation and participation in general and special education classrooms and related school activities for students with disabilities.
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.
 
Note: Not required for candidates who possess a Multiple or Single Subjects credential inclusive of CLAD or EL authorization.
Teaching strategies in content specific fields from second language acquisition perspective taken concurrently with student teaching or practicum. May be repeated with new content.
 
Note: Not required for candidates who possess a Multiple or Single Subjects credential inclusive of CLAD or EL authorization.
  • TE 280 - Health Ed for Teachers [Online]: Required to obtain your Preliminary Credential per CTC, CA. Can be taken in prior semester.
  • CPR Training: This requirement must include verification of training in Cardiopulmonary (CPR) which covers infant to child and adult CPR skills.
  • U.S. Constitution: 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 [email protected].

Semester 1 - Fall: 15 Units + 10 Practicum

Educational needs and services for students with serious emotional disturbance. Classroom interventions and procedures.
Characteristics, needs, and supports for individuals with physical, health, and sensory impairments in educational, home, and community settings. Implications of health concerns for programming.
Language arts and development, mathematics, and reading for students with disabilities. Ability, cultural, and linguistic differences. 
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.
School to adult life transitions for individuals with disabilities. Whole student approaches to include community experiences, employment preferences, friends and extended family, home and school life, and postsecondary goals. 
Selecting, designing, and evaluating appropriate learning experiences to assure children’s growth in reading and language arts. Includes nature of reading and language arts as a human behavior, various approaches, materials, and techniques used in teaching reading and language arts. May be repeated with new content. Maximum Credits: six units.
 
Note: 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. 
Participation in general and special education programs for students with disabilities; supervised by a special educator. Integration and application of skills and knowledge gained in credential coursework. May be repeated in other specialties. Maximum Credits: four units applicable to each credential program.
Culminating practicum for Education Specialist Credential. Participation supervised by a special educator. May be repeated in other specialties.

Semester 2 - Spring: 14 Units + 10 Practicum

Definition, etiology, assessment, and instructional practices used to address autism. Historical and current issues.
Models of assessment emphasizing observation and interviewing, performance-based approaches, transdisciplinary teaming, family-professional collaboration, and adaptations for specific disabilities, cultural, and linguistic diversity for students with extensive support needs. Communicating and using assessment data for individualized program planning. 
Practical strategies for working with children and adolescents with extensive support needs in a variety of learning environments. Collaboration with other professionals in the field and involve families as partners in the educational process.
Educational applications of current technologies for learners with disabilities. Selection, modification, and classroom use of technologies to improve or bypass physical, sensory, communicative, learning, and social limitations.
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.
Participation in general and special education programs for students with disabilities; supervised by a special educator. Integration and application of skills and knowledge gained in credential coursework. May be repeated in other specialties. Maximum Credits: four units applicable to each credential program.
Culminating practicum for Education Specialist Credential. Participation supervised by a special educator. May be repeated in other specialties.

This information is subject to change without notice. Every effort is made to ensure this information is current and accurate.
Revised May 30, 2025.