Early Childhood Special Education - Added Authorization

Units Required for Credential: 26

Program Description

The Early Childhood Special Education Added Authorization (ECSEAA) Program is available for both qualified current Education Specialist teaching credential candidates (those admitted to the Education Specialist programs for Extensive Support Needs or Mild to Moderate Support Needs) and qualified in-service Education Specialist teachers (who hold a current Education Specialist credential). The program is a fully online (in synchronous formats) distance-learning program designed to meet the growing need across California for early intervention, preschool, and kindergarten Education Specialist educators. Upon admittance to the ECSEAA program, the candidates will take 5 courses (alongside the ECSE candidates in the MAT program), complete 1 early fieldwork experience (which can be completed as an intern teacher), and complete 2 student or intern teaching experiences (Infant/Toddler and Preschool/Kindergarten). Additionally, as is offered for the ECSE preliminary credential, ECSEAA candidates are provided with individualized advising and have two options for completing their fieldwork experiences: student teaching or intern teaching. Program assessments include reflective papers, class activities and discussions, applied coursework projects, signature assignments, a comprehensive fieldwork evaluation rubric, and a program exit survey. 

This program will consider two categories of candidates for admission: 

  1. Those who have already been admitted to the Master of Arts in Special Education Teaching (Extensive Support Needs or Mild to Moderate Support Needs) and will earn the authorization prior to or concurrent with the MASET, or 
  2. Those who hold a preliminary or clear Education Specialist: Mild to Moderate Disabilities (or Mild to Moderate Support Needs) or Education Specialist: Moderate to Severe Disabilities (or Extensive Support Needs). 

Program Admission Requirements

Candidates already admitted to the Master of Arts in Teaching with Mild to Moderate Support Needs or Master of Arts in Teaching with Extensive Support Needs must meet the following additional admissions requirements in order to be considered for the Early Childhood Special Education Added Authorization:

  1. Be in good academic standing;
  2. Meet with their Faculty/Program Advisor and obtain a recommendation to submit with the ECSEAA application;
  3. Complete a required interview;
  4. Complete the required admissions application form which is available from the program coordinator or on the Teaching Credentials website.

Candidates applying for admission who hold a preliminary or clear Education Specialist: Mild to Moderate Disabilities (or Mild to Moderate Support Needs) or Education Specialist: Moderate to Severe Disabilities (or Extensive Support Needs) teaching credential must complete the campus application through Cal State Apply by all posted deadlines. Admissions requirements include:

  1. Evidence of current Education Specialist: Mild to Moderate Disabilities (or Mild to Moderate Support Needs) or Education Specialist: Moderate to Severe Disabilities (or Extensive Support Needs) teaching credential.
  2. Submit two references.
  3. Certificate of Clearance (COC) security clearance issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing must be submitted.
  4. Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.5 overall or 2.75 in last 60 semester or 90 quarter units as evidenced from submitting official transcripts from every college/university attended.
  5. Participate in the mandatory interview.

Detailed descriptions of all admissions requirements are contained in the program’s application instructions, which are available on the Teaching Credentials Application website.

Additional Information for All Admitted Program Candidates

Continued Enrollment: Continued enrollment in the Early Childhood Special Education Added Authorization (ECSEAA) Program is contingent upon the candidate maintaining a GPA of 3.0 in all professional education courses. If incomplete grades or grades of "D", "F", and "NC" (No Credit) are received in professional education courses, the candidate must withdraw from the program unless a specific exception has been approved by the Credential Appeals Committee. Any student on academic probation is subject to automatic disqualification unless approved by the Credential Appeals Committee to continue.

Grade Requirement for the ECSE Added Authorization: Any grade below C- in a course that meets a requirement must be retaken in order to meet authorization requirements. ·

Delays: Candidates who have to delay progress in the Early Childhood Special Education Added Authorization Program will file a "Program Delay Petition" in the Credentials Office. A student returning after a delay may be accommodated on a space available basis. Candidates must return and complete the program within the seven-year limit for graduate programs.

Appeal Process: A student who has been formally admitted to the program has the right to appeal to the Credential Appeals Committee about any policy affecting program continuation, except for those policies set by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing or state education code. Appeals petitions and assistance are available in the Teaching Credentials Office.

Program Requirements

Early Childhood Special Education - Added Authorization (ECSE-AA) credential courses (26 Units)
EDSP 201Developing Collaborative Partnerships with Families, Professionals, and Communities in ECSE3
EDSP 210Assessment and Evaluation in Early Childhood Special Education3
EDSP 211Curriculum, Intervention Strategies, and Environments in ECSE I: Infants & Toddlers3
EDSP 212Inclusive Curriculum, Intervention Strategies, and Environments in ECSE II: Preschool & Kindergarten3
EDSP 234Seminar II: Early Childhood Special Education1
EDSP 474ECSE Early Fieldwork Experience I3
or EDSP 478 ECSE Intern Teaching
EDSP 476ECSE Student Teaching: Infants & Toddlers4
or EDSP 478 ECSE Intern Teaching
EDSP 477ECSE Student Teaching: Preschool/Kindergarten6
or EDSP 478 ECSE Intern Teaching