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Early Childhood Special Education Preliminary Credential

School of Graduate and Professional Studies

Gain knowledge of both historical and contemporary theoretical, philosophical, legal, and empirical influences' underlying evidence-based practice in the field of Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education. Specialists with this credential may provide educational services to children from birth through kindergarten who are eligible for early intervention, special education, and/or related services under federal and state laws. Serves ages 0 to 6.

View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure

Program Highlights

  • Guaranteed course enrollment within cohort sequence means no wait listing
  • Courses are held in the evenings with coursework taught in online, blended, and traditional models
  • Personalized advising with support from the program director
  • Mentoring provides candidates with customized individualized support during field placements, practicums, and independent teaching experiences
  • Integration of faith/teaching/learning
  • Classes are small, allowing for a personalized learning experience
  • Professors are current in the field of education, help problem-solve, and promote a dialogue of issues of practice within your setting
  • Innovative and researched based
  • Option to complete Master of Arts in Special Education for 12 additional units
  • Option to complete Multiple Subjects Credential for 9 additional units

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Catalog

Program Director: Sarah Johnson, Ed.D.

Overview

This authorizes the holder to conduct Educational Assessments related to student's access to the academic core curriculum and progress towards meeting instructional academic goals, and provide instructional and Special Education Support to students from birth through kindergarten who are eligible for early intervention special education and related services.

Admissions Requirements

  • Apply online at fpu.edu/applygrad
  • Addendum to Graduate Application: Special Education
  • Two graduate reference forms
  • Official transcripts (all colleges/universities attended)
  • Verification of negative TB test (within last 12 months)
  • Certificate of Clearance or valid CA credential
  • Education plan form
  • Basic Skills Requirement/Official CBEST results

Candidates may be admitted to the education specialist credential program in the spring, summer, or fall. Cohorts begins in summer.

Basic Skills and Subject Matter Competency Requirements

  • Verification of Basic Skills by degree

Accreditation

FPU's credentials are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). The CTC website provides extensive guidelines pertaining to becoming a teacher in California (ctc.ca.gov).

Credential Program Student Learning Outcomes

Developed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), the Teacher Performance Expectations (TPEs) are aligned with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP).

  1.  Engaging and Supporting All Students in Learning
  2.  Creating and Maintaining Effective Environments for Student Learning
  3.  Understanding and Organizing Subject Matter for Student Learning
  4.  Planning Instruction and Designing Learning Experiences for All Students
  5.  Assessing Student Learning
  6.  Developing as a Professional Educator

M.A. In Special Education Post-Credential Program

The M.A. in Special Education program begins in the fall term. 

M.A. in Special Education Post-Credential Pacing

Fall Spring

SPEC 731 Issues in Teaching: Investigating Problems of Practice in Special Education

(1st 8 weeks of the term)                           3 Units

SPEC 734 Research Methodology: Action Research

(1st 8 weeks of the term)                       3 Units

SPEC 733 Literature Review

(2nd 8 weeks of the term)                         3 Units

SPEC 735: Research Project

(2nd 8 weeks of the term)                          3 Units

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno, Visalia

Required Courses (37 minimum units)

  • EDUC 642 - Language and Literacy: Theory and Practice I Credits 4 **
  • EDUC 643 - Teaching Elementary Mathematics Credits 3
  • EDUC 646 - Language and Literacy: Theory and Practice II Credits 3 **
  • SPEC 601 - Foundations of Special Education and Health Credits 3
  • SPEC 602 - Special Education Laws, Ethics and Inclusion Credits 3
  • SPEC 615 - Curriculum and Technology for Early Childhood Educators Credits 4
  • SPEC 618 - Assessment and Transitions: Early Childhood Special Education Credits 3
  • SPEC 620 - Early Childhood Special Education: Program Design and Development Credits 3
  • SPEC 657 - Comparative Development & Positive Behavior Supports Credits 3
  • SPEC 684 - Special Education and General Education Fieldwork Credits 4
  • SPEC 682 - Directed Final Practicum and Seminar Credits 4 or
  • SPEC 692 - Intern Final Practicum and Seminar Credits 4
  • SPEC 690A - Independent Teaching Support Credits 2 * or
  • SPEC 690B - Intern Teaching Support Credits 2 * or
  • SPEC 690C - Continuing Intern Teaching Support Credits 3 * or
  •     *SPEC-690A, B, or C is required each term for candidates employed as an intern or independent teacher (PIP/STSP). Independent teachers take SPEC-690A (2 units), interns take SPEC-690B (2 units), and continuing interns take SPEC-690C (3 units).

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    **Candidates entering the ECSE program with a Clear Multiple or Single Subject credential and an English Learner authorization are not required to enroll in EDUC 642, EDUC 646, and EDUC 643. 

Program Requirements

Cost & Financial Aid

The below listed prices reflect the current and upcoming Fall and Spring semesters and do not include any financial aid. Paying for college can be an overwhelming step in your education journey. We can help you find all the opportunities to reduce your out of pocket costs.

Tuition & Fees

2025-26

Tuition per UnitAmount
700 Level$770
Teacher Education$770
MBA$810
MSN and LEAD$795
KIN$660
Other CostsAmount
Student services fee (per semester)$85
* MBA Field Placement Fee (charged for both the international and regional trip semesters)$1,500

2024-25

Tuition per UnitAmount
700 Level$750
Teacher Education$750
MBA$810
MSN and LEAD$775
KIN$610
Other CostsAmount
Student services fee (per semester)$70
* MBA Field Placement Fee (charged for both the international and regional trip semesters)$1,500

* This is an estimate. Costs subject to change. Please refer to the Catalog for additional fees. Cost of attendance figures are used for budgeting purposes only and represent an estimate of projected tuition and fees for the coming academic year. Actual tuition rates are approved by the Board of Trustees and may vary.

Types of aid

Financial aid can refer to scholarships, grants and loans, which are available to you from the government, the university or outside sources. Aid types vary depending on the type of student you are.

Career Opportunities

Specialists with this credential may provide educational services to children from birth through pre-kindergarten who are eligible for early intervention, special education, and/or related services under federal and state laws. Serves ages infant to 5.

Career Development Happens Here

The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.

  • Resume writing classes
  • Career assessments, exploration & planning
  • Job search and networking opportunities
  • and much more

Visit the Career Development Center