Preliminary Education Specialist Teaching Credentials

Welcome to the Preliminary Education Specialist Teaching Credential Program

Student teacher interaction

How to Become an Education Specialist Teacher:

  1. Complete a Preparation Program (Cal State LA’s Education Specialist Credential Program)
  2. Obtain Preliminary Credential Recommendation
  3. Finish the Induction Program (Cal State LA’s Teacher Induction Program)
  4. Receive Clear Credential Recommendation

Choosing Your Path to Teaching in California

To become a teacher in California, you'll need to earn a teaching credential through a Commission-approved program. There are different pathways to choose from, each with its own unique features and approach to teacher preparation., You may also have the option to earn a degree along with your Preliminary credential, which is valid for 5 years. Explore the pathways below to find the one that's right for you.

Traditional Pathway

  • A 2-year program for post-baccalaureate students.
  • Graduate-level teacher preparation coursework.
  • Coursework is completed before student teaching.
  • Graduates earn a preliminary credential and serve as teachers.

For the traditional Pathway, the Advisors are the faculty in your specialization or:

Abril Trasvina
Staff Advisement
Phone: 323-343-4342

Integrated Undergraduate Pathway

  • A 4-year program for undergraduates.
  • Undergraduate-level teacher preparation coursework.
  • Student teaching begins close to program completion.
  • Graduates earn a preliminary credential and serve as teachers.

For the ULRN Undergraduate Pathway, the Advisors are: 

Jesus Arellano
Office of Student Services 
Phone: (323) 343-4324
 
Brian Castillo
Phone: (323) 343-436064

Intern Pathway

  • A 2-year program for post-baccalaureate students.
  • Graduate-level teacher preparation coursework.
  • Candidates serve as teachers of record.
  • Earn a salary after completing 120 hours of pre-service requirements.
Graduates earn a preliminary credential and continue as teachers of record.
 
For the intern pathway, the advisor is: 
 
Jennifer Revilla  
Office of Student Services 
Intern Advisor
King Hall D2078 
Phone: (323) 343-4320 

Residency Pathway

  • A 2-year program for college graduates.
  • Graduate-level teacher preparation coursework.
  • Extensive mentoring and student teaching throughout the program.
  • Candidates receive a stipend during student teaching.

Graduates earn a preliminary credential and serve as teachers.

For information on the Residency program, the advisor is:

A. Dee Williams
Phone: 323-343-4314

Education Specialist Teaching Credential

 Education Specialist img

The Early Childhood Special Education: Education Specialist Preliminary Credential Program prepares teachers to serve children from birth through kindergarten with primary disabilities, including specific learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, other health impairments, autism spectrum disorders, deaf-blindness, emotional disturbances, and multiple disabilities. These services cover the full spectrum of program options available. The Early Childhood Special Education program is one of four education specialist credential programs housed in the Department of Special Education and Counseling.

Program Plan Preliminary Education Specialist Credential Early Childhood Special Education.pdf

The Extensive Support Needs Education Specialist Preliminary Credential Program prepares teachers to serve students with extensive support needs related to one or more of the following disabilities: autism, deaf-blindness, emotional disturbance, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairments, specific learning disabilities, and traumatic brain injury. This service extends from transitional kindergarten through adulthood, covering the full spectrum of program options available. The Extensive Support Needs program is one of four education specialist credential programs housed in the Department of Special Education and Counseling.

Program Plan Preliminary Education Specialist Credential Extensive Support Needs.pdf

The Mild Moderate Support Needs Education Specialist Preliminary Credential Program prepares teachers to serve students with mild to moderate support needs related to one or more of the following disabilities: autism, emotional disturbance, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairments, specific learning disabilities, and traumatic brain injury. These services are provided from transitional kindergarten through adulthood, encompassing post-secondary transition services across the full range of program options available. The Mild Moderate Support Needs program is one of four education specialist credential programs housed in the Department of Special Education and Counseling.

Program Plan Preliminary Education Specialist Credential Mild to Moderate Support Needs.pdf

The Visual Impairments Education Specialist Preliminary Credential Program prepares teachers to serve a diverse population of students aged birth to 22 with visual impairments in a variety of settings. This population is heterogeneous, with students varying in visual function, cognitive abilities, and language proficiency. Additionally, students may have co-occurring disabilities, such as autism or deaf-blindness. The Visual Impairments program is one of four education specialist credential programs housed in the Department of Special Education and Counseling. It is one of only two programs in the state of California, and candidates attending the program may commute from distances as far as 250 miles away.

Program Plan Preliminary Education Specialist Credential Visual Impairment and Blindness.pdf

Visual Impairment and Blindness: Option in Orientation and Mobility 

University and Program Application Process

All students who plan to enter a program for one of the College of Education credentials must apply for admission to the university through Cal State Apply. Students in upper-division standing at Cal State LA are eligible to apply and enter the program. Credential candidates must attend a group advisement session before admission to the program. Effective January 5, 2015, all applicants for re-admission are required to complete a readmission protocol and interview for consideration. Please see the College of Education, Office for Student Services website for specifics.

BSR update notice

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing has an important update regarding the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR).

Starting June 29, 2024, the BSR can be met by holding a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university. Senate Bill 153 removes the BSR as a requirement for any credential or permit if the applicant holds a bachelor’s degree.

Conditional Admission

Students entering the teaching credential programs are initially admitted conditionally. To maintain admission, complete required courses and the application process by the end of your second semester.

  • Application to the California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) Cal State Apply.
  • A bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.
  • 2.5 overall GPA for undergraduates* and postbaccalaureate applicants, or a 2.75 grade point average (GPA) or better in the last 60 semesters or 90 quarter units for postbaccalaureate applicants.
  • Official transcripts from every junior college, college, or university attended, except Cal State LA. Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a commission-approved evaluation agency. The university conducts its international transcript evaluations.
  • Philosophy of Education Statement
  • Proof of Valid Certificate of Clearance or equivalent
  • Photocopy of negative TB Test dated within four years
  • Two original letters of recommendation

*Note: Undergraduate students are those students whose degrees have not been conferred by the time they commence EDSP 4001.

Admission without Condition

NOTE: Students in the Early Childhood Special Education program must have an undergraduate degree in Child Development or equivalent OR at least 9-semester units of Child Development coursework and experience with children under the age of five (as determined by the faculty advisor).

 

 

Each candidate receives an official program plan upon formal admission. Roadmaps for each program with a recommended sequence of courses are below. A grade of C or better is required in all credential courses, and an overall GPA of 3.0 must be maintained. Candidates may not enroll in fieldwork without a GPA of 3.0 or better. Courses may not be repeated more than twice. Candidates are encouraged to meet regularly with their faculty advisor or an academic advisor in the Office of Student Services. Each program’s roadmap of required courses is below. These roadmaps indicate a two-year plan to complete the credential. If you choose to attend part-time due to work or family obligations, meet with an academic advisor to create a roadmap that is a better match for your schedule. 

The Commission on Teacher Credentialing mandates that candidates have structured experiences and/or interactions with the full range of the service delivery system, the providers of such services, and parents and families, including experiences in general education.  The experiences must reflect the full diversity of grades/ages, federal disability categories, and the continuum of special education services outlined in the specific credential authorization.  

Each of the Education Specialist programs offers a series of sequential and developmental fieldwork experiences designed to introduce candidates to the teaching expectations, provide practice opportunities, and by the end of the program, require candidates to independently take charge of classroom instruction.

The first fieldwork requirement is located in EDSP 4001 Observations in Urban Classrooms. Candidates conduct 45 hours of classroom observations and engage in reflective practice over what they have observed, using the readings in the course to extend their understanding of how classrooms are organized and how students learn. 

Each option has a series of Clinical Signature Assignments (CSA) embedded in courses that offer extensive practice to master specific skills while working with individual students.

All candidates take an early practicum course where they plan and deliver lessons to local PK-12 students under the close direction of a university supervisor. These early practicum experiences prepare candidates for advanced coursework and their Final Directed Teaching or

Demonstration of Competencies which is the culminating experience for each option.

See the Special Education Fieldwork Handbook on the Department’s Canvas site: Special Education Programs and Information for detailed information about fieldwork requirements and policies. The handbook for the Rehabilitative Services Credential in Orientation & Mobility is also available on the Canvas site.

NOTE: Candidates in the Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Credential and M.A. degree program are not required to take EDSP 4001 or conduct 45 hours of classroom observations.  O&M candidates will participate in the following Fieldwork experiences:

Candidates must submit a complete Fieldwork Application during the semester before their intended fieldwork. The links to the field applications can be found on the Canvas Special Education Programs Information and Resources page. Please note that a permit will not be issued if the application is incomplete or if all required documents are not uploaded by the specified due date. Late applications will not be accepted.

To access links and find more information, please visit the Special Education Programs and Canvas Resources page. If you haven't already, you can join the Canvas Resource Page through the following link: Canvas Resource Page Enrollment Link.

Fieldwork Application Deadlines:

  • For Fall early fieldwork applications, the deadline is April 1st
  • For Fall early fieldwork applications, the deadline is October 31st
  • For Fall final fieldwork, please check with Lauren Haramoto for the deadlines and links.
  • *Only for ECSE Interns: Summer fieldwork applications are due by April 1, 2024, at 5 PM.

Additional Information about Fieldwork:

 For the final fieldwork experience, candidates are assigned a university supervisor and a placement with a mentor teacher a week before the semester begins. Candidates are required to attend final fieldwork seminars with their university supervisor. Seminar dates and times are posted on Canvas. Once you are provided with your Mentor Teacher’s contact information, plan an initial visit to meet the teacher and become familiar with the school site. 

As a holder of a credential, certificate, or permit which authorizes you to work with, observe, or have knowledge of children as part of your official duties, you are required to report every instance of child abuse that becomes known to you or which you reasonably suspect to have occurred to a child with whom you have professional contact. You must report your observations to a Child Protective Agency immediately, or as soon as practicably possible, by telephone and send a written report to the Child Protective Agency within 36 hours after you become aware of the incident.

NOTE: Candidates in the Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Credential and M.A. degree program need not apply for early and final fieldwork experiences. O&M Fieldwork experiences will be arranged by the O&M Program Coordinator.

How to Prepare Before You Apply:

Before initiating the permit application, gather the necessary documents and have them ready for upload as PDFs. If you don't have access to a scanner, you can use the Open Access Lab in King Hall D151 (basement) free of charge to prepare your documents for upload to the application. You will be asked to upload a copy to verify the following in your online fieldwork application.

  • Early Fieldwork (C. Lamar Learning Center Fieldwork) takes place on Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM.
  • To apply for Early Fieldwork, complete the application through this link: Early Fieldwork Application Link (Pending)

Fieldwork is an integral component of teacher education at Cal State LA, encompassing both early fieldwork and final directed teaching. To participate in either stage, candidates must meet the following requirements:

  •  Obtain formal admission to the Education Specialist Credential program.
  • Apply Final Fieldwork by the specified deadline (the semester before the intended placement).
  • Provide valid verification of a Certificate of Clearance, which must remain current (not expired) for the entire fieldwork duration.
  • Note that Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) candidates do not require a subject matter examination, as competency is demonstrated through the completion of a Child Development undergraduate major or an equivalent qualification.
  •  Maintain a minimum B (3.0) grade point average and achieve grades of C or higher in all professional education courses.
  •  Supply verification of a negative TB test administered by a personal physician, Cal State LA Health Center, or another local health center. This TB test must remain valid (not expired) throughout the directed teaching period.

Final Directed Teaching represents the culminating fieldwork experience within the Special Education Credential Program, occurring during the last semester(s) of the program.      

Prerequisites:

  • Successful completion of all courses required for the preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential.

Minimum Requirements: To embark on Final Fieldwork, you must have:

  • A minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Completed all credential program courses (except one, which may be taken concurrently)
  • Attend a Special Education Directed Teaching Orientation meeting in the semester preceding final directed teaching.

Optimizing Your Experience:

Due to the significant time and effort required for final directed teaching, and to ensure a successful semester, students are strongly advised to limit the number of additional units in their schedules (not exceeding 3 additional units) and reduce their out-of-school workload for the duration of their final directed teaching.

Application Process:

  •  For Traditional Student Teaching, please complete the application at the following link: [Application link pending]
  •  Please check with Lauren Haramoto at OSS for the link and deadline.
  • University Intern Credentials are an alternative pathway to earning a California teaching credential. To complete fieldwork as an Intern in your classroom, intern status must be verified with Jennifer Revilla, the Intern Coordinator. To apply for Final Fieldwork for Intern Student Teaching, please complete the application at the following link: [Application link pending]
  • Please check with Lauren Haramoto at OSS for the link and deadline.

Final Fieldwork is offered through the following courses by specialization

Specialization Final Fieldwork Course Number and Title (Traditional Student Teaching) Final Fieldwork Course Number and Title (Intern Student Teaching)

Early Childhood

EDSP 4065 (4 units) - Student Teaching with Master Teacher in Early Intervention (Birth-3)

EDSP 4075 (6 units) - Student Teaching with a Master Teacher in Preschool Special Education

   

EDSP 4085 - Directed Teaching in Approved Teaching Assignment: Early Intervention (Birth-3)

   

EDSP 4095 - Directed Teaching in Approved Candidate Teaching Assignment: Preschool Special Education

   

To apply for Summer ECSE Final Fieldwork for Intern Student Teaching ONLY, use the following link: Final Fieldwork for Intern Student Teaching Application (Pending)

Mild/Moderate

EDSP 4071 (9 units) - Final Directed Student Teaching with a Master Teacher: Mild/Moderate Disabilities

EDSP 4091 - Final Directed Teaching in Approved Candidate Teaching Assignment: Mild/Moderate Disabilities. Corequisite: EDSP 4099 Final Fieldwork Seminar

   

EDSP 4455 - the dual credential pathway - multiple subject/MMSN

Moderate/Severe

EDSP 4072 (9 units) - Final Directed Student Teaching with a Master Teacher: Moderate/Severe Disabilities

EDSP 4092 - Final Directed Teaching in Approved Candidate Teaching Assignment: Moderate/Severe Disabilities. Corequisite: EDSP 4099 Final Fieldwork Seminar

After each fieldwork application deadline has passed, the Department Office or the Office of Student Services will commence reviewing applications to ensure all requirements and prerequisites are met. This evaluation acts as a reminder to students of the credential requirements met and those they still have yet to meet. If students meet all requirements, they will be issued a permit for the fieldwork course. This process typically takes about 3-4 weeks before the start of the semester. Program coordinators will also notify students of their assigned supervisor by email before the semester starts.

Prerequisites
SpecializationPrerequisitesEarly Fieldwork CourseCorequisite
Early ChildhoodEDSP 4000, EDSP 4001, EDSP 4010EDSP 4141 - Early Childhood Special Education Intervention LabEDSP 4142 Seminar
Mild to Moderate Support NeedsEDSP 4000, EDSP 4001, EDSP 4010, EDSP 4050EDSP 4061 - Early Fieldwork in Inclusive Teaching: Mild/Moderate DisabilitiesEDSP 4069 Seminar
Dual Credential Pathway (Multiple Subject/MMSN) EDSP 4060 
Fieldwork in Residency (Mild/Moderate Disabilities)(For Residency students only)EDSP 5050 
Extended Support NeedsEDSP 4000, EDSP 4001, EDSP 4010, EDSP 4050EDSP 4062 - Early Fieldwork in Inclusive Teaching: Moderate/Severe DisabilitiesEDSP 4069 Seminar
Visual ImpairmentEDSP 4000, EDSP 4001, EDSP 4010, EDSP 4050EDSP 4064 - Early Fieldwork in Guided Settings: Visual ImpairmentsEDSP 4067 Seminar

 

To apply for Fieldwork for a Certificate in Autism or Transition, please complete the application at the following link:

Fieldwork for a Certificate in Autism or Transition Application Link (Pending)

Fieldwork for Certificate in Autism or Transition Courses

Specialization Early Fieldwork Course Number and Title
Autism Fieldwork EDSP 5047 ‐ Fieldwork in Special Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders
Transition Fieldwork EDSP 5048 ‐ Fieldwork in Special Education: Transition

 

Post Baccalaureate Pathway

Year 1

Semester 1 Unit Semester 2 Units 
EDSP 4000 Foundations of Special Education 3 EDSP 4030 Behavior Supports, Social Skills, and Classroom Management 3
EDSP 4001 Instruction and Observation in Urban Classrooms 1 EDSP 4061 Early Fieldwork in Inclusive Classrooms: Mild to Moderate Support Needs 4
EDSP 4010 Cognitive, Linguistic, and Literacy Processes in Individuals with Special Needs 3 EDSP 4069 Early Fieldwork Seminar: Mild to Moderate and Extensive Support Needs 3
EDSP 4020 Assessment and Educational Planning for Students with Disabilities 3 EDSP 4630 Augmentative and Alternative Communication in Special Education 3
EDSP 4050 Instruction in English Language Arts for K-12 Students with Disabilities 3    
Total Units 13   13

 

Year 2

Semester 3 Units Semester 4 Units
EDSP 4252 Instructional Planning & Delivery: Students with Mild to Moderate Support Needs 3 EDSP 4071 Final Directed Teaching with a Master Teacher: Mild to Moderate Support Needs 9
EDSP 4253 Inclusive STEAM Education for Students with Mild to Moderate Support Needs 3 EDSP 4099 Final Directed Teaching Seminar: Mild to Moderate Support Needs 3
EDSP 4257 Advanced Study of Intensive Literacy Instruction: Mild to Moderate Support Needs 3    

Total Units

9   15

 

Post Baccalaureate Pathway

Year 1

Semester 1 FALL Unit Semester 2 SPRING Units 
EDSP 4000 Foundations of Special Education 3 EDSP 4690 Psychological, Sociological, and Vocational Implications of Visual Impairment and Blindness 2
EDSP 4001 Instruction and Observation in Urban Classrooms 1 EDSP 4661 Advanced Braille Codes for Individuals with Visual Impairments 3
EDSP 4010 Cognitive, Linguistic, and Literacy Processes in Individuals with Special Needs 3 EDSP 4651 Academic Skills for Individuals with Visual Impairments 3
EDSP 4650 Medical Aspects of Visual Impairments 2 EDSP 4050 Instruction in English Language Arts for K-12 Students with Disabilities 3
EDSP 4670 Low Incidence Early Childhood Special Education 2 EDSP 5760 Seminar in Visual Impairment and Additional Disabilities 2
EDSP 4660 Literacy Braille Code for Individuals with Visual Impairments 3 EDSP 4650L Functional Low Vision Impairments 1
Total Units 14   14

 

Year 2

Semester 3 FALL Units Semester 4 SPRING Units
EDSP 5661 Braille Competency Examination 1 EDSP 4652 Specialized Literacy Instruction for Students with Visual Impairments 3
EDSP 4662 Specialized Technology for Individuals with Visual Impairments 3 EDSP 5074 Final Directed Teaching with a Master Teacher: Visual Impairments 9
EDSP 4651L Learning Media Assessment for Students with Visual Impairments 2    
EDSP 4064 Early Fieldwork in Guided Settings: Visual Impairments 4    
EDSP 4067 Early Fieldwork Seminar: Expanded Core Curriculum in Visual Impairments 3    
Total Units 13   12

 

More Info

For extra help breaking down concepts from this program, you can find more information on the Preliminary Education Specialist Teaching Credentials Terms and Definitions webpage.