Early Childhood Special Education Specialization
Preparing educators and other professionals to work with infant, toddler and preschool-age children with exceptionalities and their families.
Students who specialize in early childhood special education may pursue:
- Preliminary Credential (2- or 4-semester programs available)
- Clear Education Specialist Credential
- Master or Arts Degree in Special Education
We are pleased that you are interested in the Department of Special Education at San Diego State University. You are considering an important field at an exciting time, and there are many opportunities for special educators in our community and throughout the nation.
Preliminary Credential
There are 3 options in the ECSE program:
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. If you have not attended a Group Advising Session, please plan to attend. All students are also required to complete a Practicum Handbook 2020-2021 (PDF) during the course of their studies.
Visit Preliminary Early Childhood Credential Admissions for more information.
Induction Clear Education Specialist Credential
Admission Requirement: Completion of Preliminary Education Specialist Credential in Special Education and must be employed as a Special Education educator (not subbing, but teacher of record)
Include the development of the Individualized Induction Plan (IIP) and non-university experiences. The District Support Provider and the University Advisor will work in partnership to support the Clear Education Specialist Credential Candidate in the context of field work in the schools and coursework at the university.
Visit the Clear Induction Program for more information.
Master's Degree
Admission requirements for the M.A. include the prerequisite course SPED 527 and at least a 3.0 GPA from credential and undergraduate studies.
Visit the Early Childhood Master's Admissions and Master's in Special Education for more information.
For More Information
Contact Dr. Yasemin Turan Qian, Program Coordinator