Requirements (61-85 units)
The Early Childhood Special Education Intern Program is an alternative preparation program in which interns are employed full-time as teachers for children who are between birth and six years of age and have disabilities. While enrolled in this program, students earn the preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential for Early Childhood Special Education. The program must be completed in five consecutive quarters. Interns earn tenure credit in their districts and receive ongoing supervision/support from a university supervisor and district support provider. Interested applicants should contact the Early Childhood Special Education Intern Coordinator for program information, including the program course sequence and program costs.
Admission to the Program
In addition to meeting the general requirements of the university for admission as a postbaccalaureate student, admission to the Internship Education Specialist Credential program requires the following:
1. Written verification of passing score for the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST);
2. Verification of a plan to complete subject matter coursework. Work experience can be substituted for some of the following courses:
HD 270. Early Childhood Development (5)
HD 280. Early Childhood Development (5)
HD 281. Guidance of Young Children (4)
HD 291. Interactions with Young Children: Laboratory (2)
HD 282. Early Childhood Curriculum and Programs (4)
HD 292. Curriculum and Programs: Laboratory (2);
3. Three written recommendations, including at least one from immediate supervisor;
4. Interview by university/school district representatives.
Recommendation for the Internship Education Specialist Credential: Early Childhood Special Education
1. Submission of application for the Internship Education Specialist Credential: Early Childhood Special Education;
2. Employment as a class teacher for children between birth and five years of age in a participating school district, verified by district intern contract;
3. Verification of a negative tuberculin examination within the last four years;
4. Submission of an application for a Certificate of Clearance or evidence of a credential or permit authorizing public school teaching in California;
5. Completion of the U.S. Constitution requirement by one of the following:
A. HIST 146. American Civilization (4)
B. HIST 200. United States History to 1877 (4)
C. HIST 540. Constitutional History of the United States (4)
D. PSCI 203. American Government (4)
E. PSCI 410. American Constitutional Law (4)
F. PSCI 411. The Bill of Rights (4)
G. Successful completion of an examination administered through the College of Extended Learning;
H. Approved U.S. Constitution course substitution at another university.
While enrolled in the program, students are required to register for courses during five consecutive quarters. During fall, winter, and spring quarters, students enroll each quarter in two courses and one eight-unit fieldwork course. During summer quarter, students enroll in three courses. All students are required to meet with the program coordinator and complete a Program Coursework Plan prior to beginning their course of study.
Credential Requirements
Level I Courses (61-85 units)
Completion of the following courses with a grade point average of 3.0 ("B") or better and no grade lower than "B-:"
1. EELB 315. Reading/Language Arts Curriculum and Pedagogy (3)
2. EELB 317. Educational Psychology for a Diverse Society (4)
3. ESPE 515. Language and Literacy for Children Under Five With Special Needs (4)
4. ESPE 529. Introductory Methods for Special Education (4) (with a grade of "B" or better)
5. ESPE 530. Psychology and Education of Exceptional Individuals (4) (with a grade of "B" or better)
6. ESPE 637. Assessment and Evaluation (4)
7. ESPE 650. Development and Assessment of Young Children with Disabilities (4)
8. ESPE 651. Curricular Strategies for Students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities (4)
9. ESPE 660. Instructional Planning for Culturally and Ethnically Diverse Students with Special Needs (4)
10. ESPE 665. Curriculum and Methods in Special Education: Early Childhood Special Education (4)
11. ESPE 680C. Intern Teaching: Special Education (8) for a total of (8-32)
12. HD 240. Introduction to Child Development (4) and an appropriate observation course (HD 245, 246 or 247) (2)
13. One four-unit HD course with approval of advisor
14. PSYC 305. Psycholinguistics (4)
Upon completion of competency in early childhood content area, U.S. Constitution, and Level I Special Education program requirements, students need to apply for a Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential or Certificate of Eligibility. Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended other than California State University, San Bernardino, must be submitted to C.A.S.E. along with the application for the Education Specialist Credential or Certificate of Eligibility.
The State of California requires students to enroll in the Professional Clear Level II Education Specialist Credential program within 120 working days of completion of the preliminary credential program requirements and issuance of the Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential. Within five years of issuance of the preliminary credential, students must complete Level II Education Specialist Program requirements in order to obtain the Professional Clear Level II Education Specialist Credential.