Education-Specialist-Preliminary-Teaching-Credential-ESN

Corina Mitu — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 20:26:08 GMT

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Program Overview

The Preliminary Education Specialist Teaching Credential - Extensive Support Needs (ESN) specialization prepares candidates to provide specially designed instruction that enable students (TK-22) to access grade-level California Content Standards in the Least Restrictive Environment.

This specialization is designed specifically for students with Extensive Support Needs related to one or more of the following disabilities:

Autism
Deafblind disability
Emotional disturbance
Intellectual disability
Multiple disabilities
Orthopedic impairment
Other health impairment
Specific learning disability
Traumatic brain injury

Note: Education Specialists with the ESN specialization cannot serve students with only hearing or visual impairments.

The education specialist provides intensive instruction and supports in two or more of the following domains:

Academics
Communication
Gross/fine motor
Social-Emotional
Behavioral
Vocational
Adaptive/daily living skills.

The supports often include health, movement, and sensory support. ESN practices may include a lower student-to-educator ratio.

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 program coach and a school district support provider.
Completion of the program results in a recommendation for a California Preliminary Teaching Credential

Cohorts & Schedule

SUMMER 2026 COHORT:

Final deadline to apply: April 6, 2026
Orientation: April 18, 2026
Priority deadline to apply for the $4,000 scholarship: April 20, 2026 *Apply by this date to ensure the funds are allocated to your Summer semester classes. The scholarship is available to eligible students who are awarded the scholarship.
Classes officially start: May 2, 2026

*Dates 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 - ESN coursework consists of courses that prepare educators to serve students ages TK-22 with learning disabilities, autism, deaf-blind and similar needs to access grade level standards in the Least Restrictive Environment with a focus on intensive intervention.

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.

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 a 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.

 

Section Heading 1: Application Process

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Eligibility Requirements

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

Bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited university (or certified US equivalency for foreign degrees)
Subject Matter Competence (pass CSET or demonstrate course equivalency)
US Constitution Exam passing score

*Note: As of June 29, 2024, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 153, which includes a provision that allows a candidate’s bachelor's degree to meet the Basic Skills Requirements (BSR) for most credentials. This means that the CBEST is no longer required for our program.

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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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Now Accepting Applications for the Summer 2026 Cohort!

Final Application Deadline:
April 17, 2026

READY TO APPLY?*

*Please read first the Application Process section.

Complete Application

JOIN A VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSION!

Meetings occur every Monday at 4:00 PM Pacific Time on Zoom, unless otherwise noted.

Zoom info will be sent to you once you register.
Register Now

For further information, please contact:

Lisa Willett
Program Advisor
lwillett@sccoe.org
Schedule a Zoom or an in-person meeting with Lisa

Or complete an Inquiry Form and we will be in touch with you.

Complete Inquiry Form

SCHOLARSHIPS

Are you or have you ever been a classified school employee? You may qualify for a $4000/year scholarship towards your preliminary credential.

Find Out More
CTC RESOURCES

OTHER RESOURCES

CPR CERTIFICATION OPTIONS

Teaching Credentialing: Pages

Education-Specialist-Preliminary-Teaching-Credential-ESN

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

​Program Highlights​

Cohorts & Schedule​​​

Tuition and Fees​

Required C​ours​e​work​

R​​equ​ired Field​w​​ork/Internship​

Who Are the Best Candidates for this Program?​​