Preliminary Education Specialist Credential in Early Childhood Special Education

The Education Specialist Credential in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) is designed to prepare professional educators to provide quality early intervention and early childhood special education to young children, who are at risk or have disabilities and their families. The credential emphasizes the importance of involving parents as partners in intervention and prepares candidates to be respectful of the dynamics and values of families. ECSE views children as active participants in their learning, and trains candidates to use evidence-based and developmentally appropriate practices to foster children’s growth and development in home-based and inclusive settings. In addition, ECSE prepares candidates to collaborate with professionals in other disciplines to meet the individual needs of children and families. Coursework and fieldwork are closely integrated to facilitate the application of theory to practice.

Currently, SFSU has two Early Childhood Special Education programs that are running concurrently. The credential coursework and program requirements differ for the two ECSE programs. The previous ECSE credential (birth to transitional kindergarten) has been replaced with the new ECSE credential (birth to kindergarten). The new ECSE credential follows the 2018 program standards and Teaching Performance Expectations and includes requirements around clinical practice hours, passing the RICA test, and passing a Commission-approved Teaching Performance Assessment (TBD). Students should select the required credential coursework and program which matches the time of their admission (before or after July 1, 2022).