Program Overview
Earn an Education Specialist Teaching Credential in 12 Months or Less!
The Education Specialist Accelerated Pathway - Extensive Support Needs (ESN) is designed for the
experienced teacher with a
Multiple Subject or Single Subject Credential seeking to add an
Extensive Support Needs (ESN) 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 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 support is specifically designed for students with Extensive Support Needs related to one or more of the following disabilities:
-
Autism
- Deafness/blindness
- Emotional disturbance
- Intellectual disability
- Multiple disabilities
- Orthopedic impairment
- Other health impairment
- Specific learning disability
- Traumatic brain injury
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, and
adaptive/daily living skills.
The supports also often include health, movement and sensory support. Extensive Support Needs practices may include lower student to educator ratio.
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.
Cohorts & Schedule
FALL 2025 COHORT!
- Deadline to apply: July 28, 2025
- Semester starts:
August 19, 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 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 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.
- Teachers who hold a
Preliminary Teaching Credential and have
at least two years of exemplary teaching experience and want to add a Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) special education credential.
-
Designed for the Working Professional: 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.
-
Flexible Payment Options: Take advantage of customizable payment plans designed to fit your budget.
-
Lifelong Connections: Build lasting friendships and a strong professional network to support your career journey.
-
Accelerated Pathway: Can be completed in less than 12 months.
