Preliminary Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe Disabilities Education Specialist “Add On” Program

Program of Study

This Preliminary Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe Disabilities Education Specialist “Add On” Program is specially designed for teachers who have completed a basic (e.g., Multiple-Subject, Single-Subject) credential and have satisfied California subject matter competence requirements (an emergency or substitute permit is not a basic credential). The Authorization to Teach English Learners is met through coursework and clinical experiences.

This credential program prepares teachers in advanced skills to instruct students in grades K through 12 and adults with identified disabilities. The program provides the option to obtain a Master of Arts in Education degree with a special education emphasis. See the Master of Arts in Education – Option 3: Special Education Preliminary Preparation program description for admissions requirements, courses, and clinical practice that may be applied toward the master’s degree.

The Preliminary Mild/Moderate Education Specialist Instruction Credential authorizes instruction of students with a primary disability of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emotional Disturbance, Mild/Moderate Mental Retardation, other health impairment (e.g. Attention Deficit Disorder), or specific learning disability. The Preliminary Moderate/Severe Education Specialist Credential authorizes instruction of students with a primary disability of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Deaf-Blindness, Emotional Disturbance, Moderate/Severe Mental Retardation, or multiple disabilities. All credentials authorize instruction of English learners.

Requirements for program admission:

1. A basic teaching credential (e.g., Multiple-Subject, Single- Subject);
2. Submission of the Master of Arts in Education and/or Advanced Credential Programs applications and payment of a $25 application fee;
3. Interview with the special education admissions committee;
4. Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the candidate’s work in the field of education;
5. Statement of Purpose describing the candidate’s interest in pursuing the credential(s);
6. GPA according to the university admissions policy;
7. Submission of the Graduate/Post-baccalaureate application to the University and payment of application fee; and
8. Official transcripts.

Subject matter competency and individual requirements for out-of-state trained teachers may be required. Contact the CEHHS, Student Services Office for details (760) 750-4277.

TPE Assessment

Beginning January 1, 2011, all candidates entering programs that result in the issuance of a Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential must demonstrate satisfactory performance through coursework and verified clinical practice on the full range of Preliminary Education Specialist Teaching Performance Expectations and develop a written Individualized Transition Development Plan for use in the candidate’s Clear Credential Program.

Clear Credential Requirements

All teachers holding a Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential must clear the credential within five years of credential issuance by obtaining a Clear Education Specialist Instruction Credential. An essential clearing requirement is the development of a written Individualized Induction Plan (IIP) of supported induction and job related advanced professional preparation approved and signed by the clear credential candidate, an employer designee, and a CCTC-approved clear credential program sponsor (e.g., district BTSA program, University, County Office of Education). See the CCTC web site for currently approved clear credential sponsors. The IIP must be written to clear all general and special education preliminary credentials held, may include up to 12 semester units of university coursework, and must be developed within 60 days of employment. Preliminary Education Specialist credential holders not employed in a school setting may complete the clear credential requirements if the parties signing the IIP agree to a setting and professional development activities that allow demonstration of effective teaching to clear all preliminary credentials held.

Program Coursework