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Education Specialist Preliminary Teaching Credential – ECSE

Program Overview

The Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential - Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) 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 is a two-year internship-based program offering coursework 100% online. Eligible candidates work as paid interns in their second year.
Cohorts begin each semester in Spring, Summer or Fall.
First year focuses on coursework; second year, on coursework and internship.
Interns are assigned a mentor at their school site and a school district support provider.
The program can be completed in two years and leads to recommendation for a California Preliminary Teaching Credential.

Cohorts & Schedule

FALL 2026 COHORT:

Extended deadline to apply: August 10, 2026
Orientation: August 1, 2026
Priority deadline to apply for the $4,000 scholarship: August 3, 2026*
*Eligible students should apply for the scholarship by this date to ensure the funds are allocated to their first-semester classes.
Classes officially start: August 17, 2026

Note: Dates are subject to change.

Tuition and Fees

Program cost: $17,000 ($500 per unit; 34 units required)
Non-refundable application fee: $75

Required Coursework

The Preliminary Education Specialist Teaching Credential - ECSE 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 (Spring, Summer, and Fall) into the program, each year. Each of them has 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.

ECSE - Course Sequence FALL 2026 Cohort

For questions about previous cohorts' course sequences, please contact your advisor.

Required Fieldwork/Internship

Internship with a school district is required during the second year of the program.

Internship Eligibility Requirements:

Subject Matter Competency: Met through degree, CSET subtests, or coursework.
Core Coursework: Completion of TC 402, TC 404, TC 406, and TC 407.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification*: Valid Infant, Child, and Adult CPR certification.
U.S. Constitution: Verified via course or exam on transcripts.
CTC Certificate of Clearance: Fingerprint clearance required by CTC.

An Internship Eligibility Letter will be issued upon fulfilling all the above requirements, enabling candidates to apply for a teaching position.

Once you obtain a teaching position, you'll need:

Verification of Employment (VOE): Signed letter from your school district confirming full-time teaching in the appropriate specialization classroom.

We will then process and submit the candidate's paperwork to the Credential Services Department to facilitate the issuance of an Intern Credential.

*See CPR Certification Options on the right side bar.

Who Are the Best Candidates for This Program?

Paraeducators
Instructional assistants
Preschool teachers
Classified school employees
Anyone holding a Bachelor's degree and interested in becoming an early childhood special education teacher

Why Choose Our Online Teaching
Credential Program?

Designed for Working Professionals: Enjoy the flexibility of our online program, with evening and weekend classes designed to fit your busy schedule.
Established and Trusted Program: Join the hundreds of educators who have successfully earned their teaching credentials through our program.
Expert Faculty and Coaches: Learn from experienced faculty, coaches, and mentors who are actively working in the field, bringing real-world expertise to your education.
Personalized Support: Receive dedicated guidance from academic advisors, faculty, coaches, mentors, and program coordinators — ensuring you have the tailored support you need every step of the way.
Affordable Tuition and Flexible Payment Options: Take advantage of a tuition that has been recently reduced by $3,840 and customizable payment plans designed to fit your budget.
Funding Support: Receive expert guidance on accessing grants, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities available to eligible students.
Lifelong Connections: Build lasting friendships and a strong professional network to support your career journey.

Application Process

Eligibility Requirements

To become eligible for this program, you must have the following:

B/A or B/S Official Transcript (or certified US equivalency for foreign degrees).
US Constitution course or exam. This
requirement will be evaluated through student transcripts. If this requirement needs to be met, applicants will be notified.

Applying for the Program

Please review all mandatory requirements for acceptance into the credentialing program and follow the application instructions available on the Application Portal.

Once you have the necessary documents ready, please create an online profile on the Application Portal, if you don't already have one, and complete the online application.

Admission decisions will be communicated via email. Upon acceptance, you will receive instructions on how to register for courses and complete enrollment.Learn More & Apply

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Education Specialist Preliminary Teaching Credential – ECSE

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Program​​​ Overview

Program Highlights

Cohorts & Schedule​​​

Tuition and Fees​

Required C​oursework​

R​​equired Fieldwork/Internship​

Who Are the Best Candidates for This Program?​

Why Choose Our Online Teaching​Credent​ial Program?