Early Childhood Special Education Credential

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(56 UNITS)

The Professional Teacher Preparation Program for the Education Specialist Preliminary Credential in Early Childhood Special Education authorizes individuals to teach infants, toddlers and preschool children with disabilities. Candidates can complete the program in two semesters with additional time during the summer or winter session.

Students are encouraged to attend a program overview in the year prior to admittance. Overview schedules can be found at ed.fullerton.edu/sped.

Admission Requirements

Special Education Credential Program applicants are required to apply to the university/program through the Cal State Apply website: www.calstate.edu/apply. Current CSUF undergraduate students still must submit a new Cal State Apply application to the program to be considered for admission into the Special Education Credential Program. Cal State Apply charges a $70 application fee. A separate department fee of $50 is also required. Applicants can pay for the $50 Department Fee online via: https://coepay.fullerton.edu/ated/.

Applicants are considered for full admission into the Special Education Credential Program once they have met the following criteria: completion of the Basic Skills Requirement (commonly met by the CBEST exam), Completion of Subject Matter Competency (commonly met by the CSET exam), and professional aptitude and disposition. Additional criteria is reviewed when considering applicants to the SPED Credential Program which include:

2.75 GPA in the last 60 units or cumulative
Successful completion of prerequisite courses: SPED 322 , SPED 371 and SPED 425 (with a “B-” or better) and an approved Ethnic Studies Course
For Early Childhood applicants, successful completion of 9 units of Child Development Courses (CAS) must be completed with a “B-” or better prior to entering the program
Verification of Basic Skills (commonly met by CBEST). Other ways to satisfy the Basic Skills requirement can be found on the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) website: www.ctc.ca.gov
Completion of Subject Matter Competency (commonly met by CSET). Required for Mild Moderate and Moderate Severe applicants only. Students pursuing the Early Childhood Credential do not need to complete the Subject Matter Competency requirement
Provide evidence of a TB test or TB Risk Assessment (recent within the last 4 years)
CPR Certification – Applicants must complete a CPR training that covers infant, child, and adult. The CPR training must be certified by the American Red Cross (ARC) OR American Heart Association (AHA). Evidence of CPR training must be recent within the last two years and must be submitted along with application materials
The Certificate of Clearance from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) must be obtained by the time of application. A fingerprint background check needs to be completed as specified on the CTC website (www.ctc.ca.gov). Additionally, an online application for the Certificate of Clearance must be completed in order to receive the full Clearance of Clearance issued by the CTC
Verification of Political Science Course covering the U.S. Constitution with a “C” or higher, or verification of U.S. Constitution exam
Recommendations from two academic faculty
Recommendations from two child/youth experience (individuals who have witnessed you working with children)
Positive disposition towards teaching adolescents
Proficiency in oral and written English

For further information, please contact the SPED Admissions Assistant at (657) 278-4196 or visit the SPED website at: http://ed.fullerton.edu/sped/.

Early Childhood Special Education Credential

Admission Requirements

Preliminary Requirements (42 units)

Clear Requirements (12 units)

Electives (3), which may include: