Mild/Moderate Support Needs 4-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.
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.
  • 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: 7 Units (Interns 8 Units + 4 Practicum)

Educational needs and services for students with serious emotional disturbance. Classroom interventions and procedures.
Definition, etiology, assessment, and instructional practices used to address autism. Historical and current issues.
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.
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.
Research-based instruction to meet the needs of diverse language learners in a variety of classroom settings.

Semester 2 - Spring: 5 units (Interns 6 Units + 4 Practicum)

Classroom assessment in general and special education for students with mild/moderate disabilities. Curriculum-based data collection strategies. Influences of cultural and linguistic diversity, and implications for curricular and instructional adaptations.
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. 
Research-based instruction to meet the needs of diverse language learners in a variety of classroom settings. 

Semester 3 - Fall: 8 Units + 4 Practicum (Interns 9 Units + 4 Practicum)

Language arts and development, mathematics, and reading for students with disabilities. Ability, cultural, and linguistic differences.
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. 
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.
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. 
Research-based instruction to meet the needs of diverse language learners in a variety of classroom settings.

Semester 4 - Spring: 6 units + 10 Practicum (Interns 7 Units + 10 Practicum)

Advanced adaptations in curriculum and instruction in content areas, study skills, organizational strategies, and social and transition skills. English-as-a-second language approaches for students with disabilities. Research and practices related to linguistic, cultural, and ability differences. 
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.
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.

This information is subject to change without notice. Every effort is made to ensure this information is current and accurate.
Revised June 13, 2025.