Inclusive Early Childhood Practices

The Graduate Certificate in Inclusive Early Childhood Practices is a collaborative effort between the Early Childhood Education Program and the Early Childhood Special Education Program intended for individuals seeking expertise in supporting the learning and development of all young children, including those at-risk or identified with disabilities. Required coursework is focused on culturally responsive practices and interventions that promote access, learning, and participation for all young children and their families.

This program is intended for individuals in education or human service fields, such as general early childhood education, nursing, psychology, physical and occupational therapy, social work, special education, speech and language therapy, who do not possess a California Education Specialist Credential.

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Program Website

Program Eligibility

Applicants for the certificate are required to meet university standards for graduate studies including a 3.0 minimum GPA and satisfaction of the Written English Proficiency requirement
To apply, new students must submit two letters of recommendation, official transcripts from all past institutions, current résumé, and a statement of purpose

Applying for Admission

Prospective Students

New applicants need to apply through Cal State Apply

Currently Enrolled Graduate Students - Apply

Students currently enrolled in any graduate degree program in special education at SFSU must submit the DocuSign Certificate Admissions Application for admission.

Applying for the Award of the Certificate

The Division of Graduate Studies is responsible for evaluating the materials received and authorizing the issuance of both undergraduate and graduate certificates on behalf of the University and the appropriate department or program area. When all the requirements for either an undergraduate or graduate certificate program have been completed, students must take the steps below for the award of the certificate.

The student prepares a DocuSign Certificate Approved Program (CAP) Form and submits the form to the certificate advisor (and/or chair) for an approval signature upon completion of certificate requirements.
The student must pay the CAP application fee for the award of the certificate upon CAP form submission online via the Student Center. Instructions to pay online can be found here.
Students who have been awarded a certificate can expect to receive a physical certificate by mail and can request an official transcript as additional confirmation of award of the certificate. Certificates will be mailed to the mailing address on your Student Center (please check and verify).