Program Overview
The Education Specialist Accelerated Pathway - Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) is designed for the
experienced teacher with a
Multiple Subject or
Single Subject Credential seeking to add an
Early Childhood Education Specialist Credential to their educational portfolio. Teachers with special education credentials in other areas of specialization are welcome to apply as well.
This specialization authorizes the holder to conduct assessments, provide instruction, and special education related services to
children from birth through kindergarten, with a primary disability of:
- Specific learning disabilities
- Mild/moderate intellectual disability
- Moderate/severe intellectual disability
- Traumatic brain injury
- Other health impairment
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Deafness-blindness
- Serious emotional disturbance
Program Highlights
- This
internship-based program offers
coursework 100% online.
- Cohorts begin each semester in
Spring,
Summer or
Fall.
- Interns are assigned a mentor at their school site and a school district support provider.
- The program can be completed in less than 12 months and leads to a recommendation for a California Preliminary Teaching Credential.
Cohorts & Schedule
SUMMER 2025 COHORT!
- Deadline to apply: April 20, 2025
- Orientation: April 20, 2025
- Semester starts: May 3, 2025
Tuition and Fees
- Program cost:
$10,000 - $11,000 in most cases, depending on how many units you have to take. The price per unit is $500.
- Non-refundable application fee: $75
The coursework provides a comprehensive foundation to prepare educators to work with children from birth to kindergarten, offering specialized instruction and support to meet developmental and learning needs in early childhood settings.
There are three cohort entry points into the program. Each of them as a
specific course sequence recommended and linked to it.
We want to emphasize the importance of taking your courses in the sequence designed by the program, because this sequence has been carefully developed to ensure your success and readiness as an educator.
Internship with a school district is required.
Internship Eligibility Requirements:
-
Clear Credential
-
Verification of Employment (VOE): Signed letter from your school district confirming full-time teaching in the appropriate specialization classroom.
An
Internship Eligibility Letter will be issued upon meeting requirements.
- Any experienced teacher who already holds a
Clear Teaching Credential and wants to add an Extensive Mild to Moderate Support Needs (ESN) Special Education Credential to their portfolio.
-
Designed for the Working Professional: Learn from anywhere with our convenient online format with classes scheduled on evenings and some weekends.
-
Flexible Payment Options: We offer payment plans to fit your budget.
-
Established and Trusted Program: Hundreds of educators have successfully earned their teaching credentials through our program, gaining valuable support from experienced faculty, coaches, and mentors.
-
Accelerated Pathway: Can be completed in less than 12 months.
