Early Childhood Studies Integrated Teacher Education Program-Special Education

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There is a critical need for special education teachers in California and across the nation. With the Early Childhood Studies Integrated Teacher Education program in Special Education (ECS ITEP-SE), you have the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Studies and a credential in Special Education in one, intensive four-year program.

The ECS ITEP-SE program is offered by the Department of Early Childhood Studies and the Department of Educational Leadership and Special Education in the School of Education. The mission of the Early Childhood Studies department is to prepare knowledgeable and caring professionals who are committed to contributing to a just society through high-quality education and social services for all children and families. The mission of the Education Specialist credential programs is the advancement of excellence within the special education profession. Combined, these two departments offer you a strong foundation in developmental principles and the specific skills you need to support students with disabilities in achieving their goals.

Candidates in the ECS ITEP-SE concentration take all general education requirements and core courses in the ECS core curriculum. Students transferring from a community college with an AAT in Child Development will also be able to complete the degree and credential within four years. Students who change majors or transfer with a different major may still declare ECS ITEP-SE, but the program will take longer to complete.

During the Sophomore year, students interested in the ECS ITEP-SE must apply for admission to and meet all pre-requisites for the Preliminar Education Specialist Program. Credential courses are taken beginning in the Junior year.

Core Requirements (29 units)

EDEC 178 - Introduction to ECS Major and Digital Portfolio Unit(s): 1
EDEC 201 - Foundations of Early Care and Education Unit(s): 4
EDEC 220 - Child Observation with Field Experience Unit(s): 4
EDEC 270 - Families and Children in Diverse Societies Unit(s): 4
EDEC 420 - Child Development in Family, School, and Community Unit(s): 3
EDEC 460 - Introduction to Research in Early Childhood Studies Unit(s): 4
EDEC 478 - ECS Senior Portfolio Unit(s): 1
EDEC 435 - Leadership on Behalf of Children and Families Unit(s): 4
EDSP 432 - Young Children with Special Needs Unit(s): 4

Common Core for Education Specialists (28 units)

EDMS 463 - Teaching Language and Literacy in the Elementary School Grades TK-2 Unit(s): 3-4
EDSP 460 - Teaching Event Seminar Unit(s): 2
EDSP 421A - Effective Practices that Support Students with Diverse Learning Needs Unit(s): 3
EDSP 421B - Early Field Placement Unit(s): 1
EDSP 421C - Using Educational and Assistive Technology Unit(s): 1
EDSP 421D - Healthy Learners & School Environment Unit(s): 1
EDSP 422A - Case Management and Transition Planning in Special Education Unit(s): 3
EDSP 422B - Participant Observation/Fieldwork Unit(s): 1
EDSP 423 - Assessment of Students with Disabilities Unit(s): 3
EDSP 424 - Positive Behavior Supports for Students with Disabilities Unit(s): 3
EDSS 446 - Language and Literacy Development in Secondary Classrooms Unit(s): 4

Electives (12-13 units)

From across the university and/or from ECS Major Electives.

Credential Specific Tracks (16-17 units)

Mild/Moderate Disabilities Track (16 units)

EDMS 474 - Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School Unit(s): 3-4
EDSP 465 - Practicum: Mild/Moderate Disabilities Unit(s): 11
EDSP 425 - Developing Academic Performance-Mild/Moderate Unit(s): 4

Moderate/Severe Disabilities Track (17 units)

EDSP 426 - Communication Development: Assessment and Instruction Unit(s): 4
EDSP 428 - Education of Students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities Unit(s): 4
EDSP 467 - Practicum: Moderate/Severe Disability Unit(s): 11

Sample Four-Year Plan for Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Teacher Education Program in Special Education Concentration

Freshman Year: 33 Units

Fall Semester (16 units)

UNIV 102 - First Year Experience Unit(s): 1-3
GE Area A1 Credits / Units: 3
GE Area A2 Credits / Units: 3
GE Area B4 (Math) Credits / Units: 3
GE Area B Credits / Units: 3
GE Area D (American Institutions) Credits / Units: 3

Spring Semester (17 units)

EDEC 178 - Introduction to ECS Major and Digital Portfolio Unit(s): 1
EDEC 110 - Understanding Development: Birth through Adolescence Unit(s): 3
UNIV 102 - First Year Experience Unit(s): 1-3
GE Area A3 Credits / Units: 3
GE Area B Credits / Units: 3
GE Area C Credits / Units: 3
GE Area D (American Institutions) Credits / Units: 3

Sophomore Year: 30 Units

Fall Semester (15 units)

EDEC 201 - Foundations of Early Care and Education Unit(s): 4
EDEC 220 - Child Observation with Field Experience Unit(s): 4
EDEC 270 - Families and Children in Diverse Societies Unit(s): 4
GE Area C Credits / Units: 3

Spring Semester (15 Units)

EDEC 411 - Infant and Toddler Development Unit(s): 3
EDEC 450 - Empowerment and Equity for Children and Families Unit(s): 3
GE Area C Credits / Units: 3
GE Area D Credits / Units: 3
GE Area E Credits / Units: 3

Junior Year: 36 Units

Fall Semester (17 Units)

EDSP 432 - Young Children with Special Needs Unit(s): 4
EDSP 430 - Introduction to Special Education Unit(s): 3
EDMS 463 - Teaching Language and Literacy in the Elementary School Grades TK-2 Unit(s): 3-4
EDSP 422A - Case Management and Transition Planning in Special Education Unit(s): 3
EDSP 421B - Early Field Placement Unit(s): 1
Upper Division GE Area D Credits / Units: 3

Spring Semester (19 units)

EDEC 435 - Leadership on Behalf of Children and Families Unit(s): 4
EDSP 421C - Using Educational and Assistive Technology Unit(s): 1
EDSP 421D - Healthy Learners & School Environment Unit(s): 1
EDSP 421A - Effective Practices that Support Students with Diverse Learning Needs Unit(s): 3
EDSS 446 - Language and Literacy Development in Secondary Classrooms Unit(s): 4
Upper division GE Area C (Ethnic Studies) Credits / Units: 3
University Elective Credits / Units: 3

Senior Year: 35-36 Units

Fall Semester (18 Units)

EDEC 460 - Introduction to Research in Early Childhood Studies Unit(s): 4
EDSP 422B - Participant Observation/Fieldwork Unit(s): 1
EDSP 423 - Assessment of Students with Disabilities Unit(s): 3
EDSP 424 - Positive Behavior Supports for Students with Disabilities Unit(s): 3
EDSP 425 - Developing Academic Performance-Mild/Moderate Unit(s): 4 OR
EDSP 426 - Communication Development: Assessment and Instruction Unit(s): 4
Upper Division GE Area B Credits / Units: 3

Spring Semester (17-18 Units)

EDEC 478 - ECS Senior Portfolio Unit(s): 1
EDSP 460 - Teaching Event Seminar Unit(s): 2
EDSP 465 - Practicum: Mild/Moderate Disabilities Unit(s): 11 OR Credits / Units: 3
EDSP 467 - Practicum: Moderate/Severe Disability Unit(s): 11
EDMS 474 - Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School Unit(s): 3-4
EDSP 428 - Education of Students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities Unit(s): 4

Sample 2-Year Plan

This plan assumes transfer student completed an Associate Degree for Transfer in Early Childhood Education at a California Community College. If your community college program was different, you can still complete the ITEP-SE, but it will likely take additional time. Please consult with your advisor.