2-Semester Option: Early Childhood Preliminary Credential
See requirements for the 2-Semester Option, Early Childhood Preliminary Credential.
Program of Study: Preliminary Specialist Credential in Early Childhood Special Education
Note: You can download this information as a printable PDF.
After completion of the Preliminary credential, candidates are eligible to take teaching
positions. Following employment as a special education teacher, candidates have 5
years to complete Induction of the Clear Professional Credential.
Course Sequence
Preliminary, Prerequisites, 16 units
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.
Characteristics, needs, and educational programs and services for infants, toddlers,
and preschoolers with disabilities and their families. Legislative requirements, models
of service delivery, recommended practices, and family diversity.
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) For further clarification contact the
Office for Student Success at (619) 594-6320.
- CPR Training ^
- U.S. Constitution ***
Preliminary, Semester 1 - Fall 12 Units + 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.
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.
Role of parents and caregivers in supporting and enhancing developmental outcomes.
Home visitation programs, practices, and techniques. Field experience working with
families at risk.
Culminating practicum for Education Specialist Credential. Participation supervised
by a special educator. May be repeated in other specialties.
Preliminary, Semester 2 - Spring 14 units + 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.
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.
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.
Culminating practicum for Education Specialist Credential. Participation supervised
by a special educator. May be repeated in other specialties.
* 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.
** It will not be offered in summer; students are admitted to the program in Fall
must take SPED 528 concurrently with Semester I course.
*** 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 the Office for Student Success at (619) 594-6320.
# Not required for candidates who possess a Multiple or Single Subjects credential
inclusive of CLAD or EL authorization.
^ This requirement must include verification of training in Cardiopulmonary (CPR)
which covers infant to child and adult CPR skills.
Note: Any interns must also enroll in DLE 925
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 7/14/23