| Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses |
|
|
| EDUU 510* | Introduction to Teaching |
3 |
| EDUU 511* | Collaboration For Inclusive Schooling |
3 |
| EDUU 516* | Introduction to Planning and Assessment | 3 |
| EDMU 520* | Literacy and Language in K-8 Classrooms I | 3 |
| *Candidates may be eligible for internships after completing the above 4 courses |
|
|
| EDUU 512 | The Art & Craft of Teaching |
3 |
|
EDMU 521 or EDSU 532 |
Literacy and Language in K-8 Classrooms II Effective Literacy Instruction for Single Subject Candidates |
3 |
| Emphasis Courses |
|
|
| EDUU 517 | Communication, Health, and Mobility |
3 |
| EDUU 602 | Positive Behavior Supports |
3 |
| EDUU 655 | Individualized Education Plan Development and Special Education Law |
3 |
| EDUU 663 | Advanced Methods In Special Education |
3 |
| EDUU 664 | Advanced Assessment in Special Education |
3 |
| EDUU 662 | Collaboration and Co-Teaching | 3 |
| Subtotal |
36 |
|
Preliminary Special Education Credential, Extensive Support Needs
With this California Preliminary Special Education Credential, you’ll be able to make a difference in the learning and development of students who have moderate to severe disabilities. Plus, our Internship Pathway allows you to become intern eligible after just four classes!
Build Inclusive Classrooms: Be a Changemaker in Special Education
This CTC-accredited Preliminary Education Specialist, Extensive Support Needs Credential prepares you to work with students who have moderate to severe disabilities, multiple disabilities, autism, or other serious impairments. You’ll start with coursework to lay your SPED teaching foundation, progressing to creating individualized education plans based on assessment and evaluation of student needs. After your first four courses, you’ll be intern eligible, enabling you to start teaching, earning a salary while completing your credential in as little as 10 to 12 months.
- Working with Students and Families - In core courses, you’ll learn different assessment and evaluation procedures used in special education, and how to interpret results and share them with family members.
- Work with Students of Various Ages - This Extensive Support Needs Special Education Credential prepares you to work in California school systems with K-12 students and adults up to the age of 22.
- Curriculum Design, Classroom Management - You’ll use California content standards to learn to design developmentally appropriate special education lessons, to understand and differentiate instruction for varying needs, and to assess student progress.
Next Session
Spring II (Mar 3, 2025)
Estimated Tuition
$730/Credit
Help me estimate my costWays to Learn
Online
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Program Benefits that Benefit You.
Free Credential Test Prep
All students enrolled in the program receive complimentary credential test preparation from Teach Us, along with additional support to help you excel in your CalTPA and CSET examinations.
Preparing California’s Teachers
UMass Global is California’s second largest provider of teaching credentials; our history of support for education goes back to our founding in 1958.
Intern Eligible in Just 4 Classes
Our Intern Pathway Campaign means you can start teaching while finishing your credential work.
University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
University of Massachusetts Global's School of Education is accredited by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing.
What can you do with an Teaching Credential, Preliminary, Moderate/Severe
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Data source: Lightcast™ 2022 www.lightcast.io
The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.
1. Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032
2. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly
3. The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program
Compared to a brick and mortar, the professors are more open and I was able to learn better from them. The online community is what kept me going. I think this is the first time in my life that I can say I am proud of myself.
Leonard W.
MA in Special Education, Behavior Analysis
MA in Special Education, Behavior Analysis
I took the Autism classes [through Extended Education] and found the passion of special education, which I really never thought of as an option. I finished the Autism program and enrolled in the Master of Special Education. I have learned to reflect on my teaching and determine if I am reaching all students and on how to better reach any struggling students.
Amy J.
MA, Special Education
MA, Special Education
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the teaching credential program must complete the formal application process with all required documents, which include:
- Completed application
- 2.75 grade point average (GPA)
- Official transcripts showing a conferred Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
California Only
Successful completion of this program leads to state licensure, which is limited to the state of California and approval by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Letter of Good Standing
Applicants transferring from another institution's teaching credential program must supply a letter from that institution's Education Department attesting to the applicant's good standing in the program. The letter should be written on institutional letterhead by the Dean, department chair, director of teacher education, or someone in a similar position
Subject Matter Verification
Subject matter competency must be fulfilled to qualify for enrollment in student teaching or internship. Candidates must sign an intent to satisfy the subject matter competency requirement through one of the following: CSET exam; subject matter preparation program; approved coursework aligned with subject matter domains; or approved academic degree.
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CREDENTIAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS? Request more information>
Preliminary Special Education Credential Curriculum
Launch your career in special education with this comprehensive online program. Gain a strong foundation in teaching essentials like instruction, collaboration, and assessment. Become intern-eligible after just 4 classes, allowing you to begin teaching as the teacher of record while completing your coursework online. Our program provides embedded support to ensure you meet all state credential requirements. Later courses delve into specialized skills for special education teachers, covering areas like communication, behavior support, and individualized education plans.
-
-
Code Course Name Credits Student Teaching
EDTU 552 Student Teaching I: Extensive Support Needs 3
EDUU 576 Education Specialist Student Teaching Seminar A 2
EDTU 553 Student Teaching II: Extensive Support Needs 3
EDUU 577 Education Specialist Student Teaching Seminar B 2
or Internship EDTU 567-A Supported Teaching I: Extensive Support Needs (Interns Only) 2
EDTU 567-B Supported Teaching I: Extensive Support Needs (Interns Only) 2
EDTU 567-C Supported Teaching I: Extensive Support Needs (Interns Only) 2
EDTU 568-A Supported Teaching II: Extensive Support Needs (Interns Only) 2
*Clinical Practice credits vary depending on whether the candidate is a student teacher or intern EDUU 580 Education Specialist Intern Seminar A 2
EDUU 581 Education Specialist Intern Seminar B 2
Clinical Practice Subtotal Clinical Practice credits vary depending on whether the candidate is a student teacher or intern.
10-12 Total Credits 46-48
Become the Teacher Who Inspired You
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Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about special education credentials and teaching in California.
-
Even if you stay in your home state and have no intentions of moving, most teachers still have to renew their credentials every five years. One of the main criteria for renewal is showing proof of dedication to continuing education, whether through in-service training sessions or formal academic study.
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The Preliminary Education Specialist, Extensive Support Needs Credential is distinct from other special education credentials primarily due to its specialized focus on students with moderate to severe disabilities, multiple disabilities, autism, or other serious impairments. The other California special education credentials are for Early Childhood Special Education, Mild to Moderate Support Needs, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and Standards Visual Impairments.
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To earn this extensive support needs SPED credential, you will need to complete 36 credit hours of coursework — 18 introductory block credits (four courses) and 18 content area block credits (six courses), along with 10 credit hours of student teaching or 12 credit hours of interning.
This SPED credential can be earned as quickly as 18 to 24 months. This timeframe assumes you take two courses per eight-week session, and it may vary depending upon the session in which you start.
Remember, should you choose the UMass Global Internship Pathway, you can begin intern teaching as the teacher of record in a classroom after only four courses. That way you can start earning a salary while finishing your credential coursework.
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Obtaining a Preliminary Special Education Credential, Extensive Support Needs offers numerous benefits for educators and their students:
- Specialized Training: This credential provides educators with specialized training to effectively teach and support students with moderate to severe disabilities. This includes strategies for behavior management, communication, and adaptive skills.
- Career Opportunities: Educators with this credential are highly sought after due to the specialized nature of the role. There is a growing demand for teachers who are qualified to work with students who have extensive support needs. While this credential is specifically for teaching SPED in California, it lays the groundwork for a teacher to also work in other states with some additional coursework or testing.
- Making a Difference: Educators can make a significant difference in the lives of students with extensive support needs, helping them achieve their fullest potential in academic, social, and personal development.
- Advocacy and Leadership: Teachers with this credential often become advocates for students with disabilities, influencing policy and promoting inclusive education practices within their schools and communities.
- Collaboration Skills: Working with students with extensive support needs requires collaboration with families, therapists, and other educational professionals, enhancing teamwork and communication skills.
- Personal Fulfillment: Many educators find personal fulfillment and a strong sense of purpose in helping students with significant challenges overcome barriers and succeed in their educational journey.
Earning a Preliminary Special Education Credential, Extensive Support Needs Credential equips educators with the skills and knowledge to provide high-quality education to students with significant disabilities, while also offering a rewarding and impactful career path.
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A Preliminary Education Specialist, Extensive Support Needs Credential authorizes the holder to teach students with extensive support needs, including those with moderate to severe disabilities, in grades K-12 and through age 22 in California. This credential prepares educators to work in specialized and inclusive settings, focusing on individualized education plans (IEPs), behavior support, communication strategies, and adaptive skills. It is the initial credential required for those seeking to enter the field of special education with a focus on students who require more intensive support and specialized instruction.
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There are many characteristics that are essential for teachers who work with special needs students. Some examples include:
- They are active listeners
- They have strong social perception skills
- They understand how to support different learning styles
- They're adept at complex problem solving
- They are service oriented