Early Childhood 4-Semester Option

Special Education Preliminary Teaching Credential

Course Sequence

Prerequisites: 16 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.
 

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.
Teaching strategies in content specific fields from second language acquisition perspective taken concurrently with student teaching or practicum. May be repeated with new content.

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.
  • 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: 6 Units (Interns 6 + 5 Practicum)

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.
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.
Research-based instruction to meet the needs of diverse language learners in a variety of classroom settings.

Semester 2 - Spring: 6 units (Interns 6 + 5 Practicum)

Definition, etiology, assessment, and instructional practices used to address autism. Historical and current issues.
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.
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. 
Research-based instruction to meet the needs of diverse language learners in a variety of classroom settings. 

Semester 3 - Fall: 6 units + 10 Practicum (Interns 6 + 11 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.
Role of parents and caregivers in supporting and enhancing developmental outcomes. Home visitation programs, practices, and techniques. Field experience working with families at risk.
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.
Culminating practicum for Education Specialist Credential. Participation supervised by a special educator.
Research-based instruction to meet the needs of diverse language learners in a variety of classroom settings.

Semester 4 - Spring: 8 Units + 10 Practicum (Interns 8 + 11 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. 

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.
Culminating practicum for Education Specialist Credential. Participation supervised by a special educator. 
Research-based instruction to meet the needs of diverse language learners in a variety of classroom settings.

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 May 20, 2025.