May 20, 2024  
2023-2024 Academic Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Academic Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Education Specialist: Mild/Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs


Karen Webster, Ed.D., Program Coordinator

Teacher Education Department phone: (209) 667-3357
Email: TeacherEd@csustan.edu

Note:  There are no “catalog rights” in credential programs.  Requirements, subject to change, are set by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the California State University, and Stanislaus State. Students must meet the current state requirements for the credential.  For current state requirements, consult the Handbook for the Education Specialist Credential Program that is available online at www.csustan.edu/teacher-education/education-specialist-special-ed

The Teacher Education Department at Stanislaus State offers a program of professional preparation for the Education Specialist Mild/Moderate and Extensive Support Needs Credentials, which have been approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). California State University, Stanislaus is authorized to recommend individuals for Education Specialist Credentials in two areas: Mild/Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs. Autism Authorizations are embedded within each credential.

A prerequisite teaching credential in Multiple or Single Subject, is not required to obtain the Education Specialist Credential.

Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs, to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements are available from the program coordinator.

Please Note:  The CCTC has revised Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs) for both the Mild-to-Moderate and Extensive Support Needs Credentials beginning in fall 2022. New Candidates to the program will follow the course sequence listed below; however, Candidates currently completing ESCP coursework will continue to complete prior course requirements. If you are unsure how this change might affect your current enrollment, please see your advisor or the Program Coordinator for support.

Requirements: Education Specialist Credential


The following is a sequence of steps to obtain a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential: Mild/Moderate and Extensive Support Needs Credential. Admission forms and a full description of the documentation and coursework requirements are included in the Education Specialist Handbook.

I. General Requirements


  1. Applying for admission to Stanislaus State Graduate School and to the Credential Program requires separate applications and fees.  
    1. Stanislaus State Graduate application - apply online at www.CalStateApply.edu. Application to the University requires official transcripts and separate fees.  If students graduate with a B.A./B.S. while in the credential program, they must reapply to the University in a timely manner (about six months prior to graduating) and be readmitted as a graduate student to continue in the program.
    2. Application to the Credential Program is available online at www.csustan.edu/Credentials, or you can stop by Credential Services, DBH 303, (209) 667-3534.  A fee is required when submitting the application. 
  2. Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement
    The required GPA is 2.67 in all baccalaureate and post baccalaureate coursework or GPA of at least 2.75 in the last 60 units.  Students with a minimum 2.5 GPA in the last 60 units will be considered for “Special Admission.”

II. Admission Requirements


  1. Applicants may apply before completing the ESCP prerequisites; however, the prerequisites must be completed before being accepted to the program.
  2. Tuberculosis Clearance or TB Risk Assessment Clearance: Students must show proof of having completed a screening for tuberculosis within the last 4 years
  3. CA Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CCTC) Certificate of Clearance: Candidates must have a Certificate of Clearance from the CCTC before they can enter the ESCP and before they can work in a school setting. Once the Certificate of Clearance has been approved, the CCTC will send an email confirming clearance to work in school settings.
    Access the form and follow the steps indicated. Certificate of Clearance (CL-900).
  4. Basic Skills Requirement (BSR): From the options below, please include ONE item for Basic Skills in your application:

    1. Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) Form - This form may be used by all applicants to verify that you have met the Basic Skills Requirement.

      1. ​​​Approved Courses for BSR - A list of courses from Stan State and local community colleges that can be used to fulfill the Basic Skills Requirement.

    2. OR Score report from appropriate exam if not using any college coursework for this requirement.

  5. Subject Matter Competency. From the options below, please include ONE item for Subject Matter Competency in your application:

    1. SMC Using Academic Major Form - This form may be used by students who are applying to the Multiple, Single, or Education Specialist programs whose academic major is the same as the content area for their credential. OR

    2. Subject Matter Preparation Verification* (SSCP or ESCP ONLY) - This form is used to verify completion of one of Stan State’s Subject Matter Preparation programs. Please have the advisor in the subject area complete and sign the form before including it in your application. OR\

    3. A letter verifying Subject Matter Competency from another university - Must be signed by a CTC-approved signor. OR

    4. CSET Score Report

  6. Early Field Experience: All candidates must complete 45 hours of documented field experience in K-12 U.S. classrooms within the last 5 years.
  7. English Composition: All CSU graduates will have met this requirement as part of their BA/BS degree.
    • Complete a CSU upper-division writing course (listed as WP in the catalog).
    • Submit a verifiable score of 41 or higher on the writing portion on CBEST.
    • Complete an upper division composition course with a grade of C or better.
  8. American Government/Constitution: Complete PSCI 1201 American Government   or an equivalent course that fulfills the U.S. Constitution requirement.

III. Corequisite Courses


These corequisite courses should be completed prior to admittance to the credential program, but may be taken concurrently but no later than the end of the first semester in the program.

IV. Education Specialist Program Course Sequence: Once admitted into the program, a minimum 3.0 GPA is required.


A. Semester 1


B. Semester 2


C. Semester 3


  • EDSE 4570: Advanced Instructional Design: UDL (3 units) 30 Clinical Hours required
  • EDSE 4430 Assessment in Special Education  (3 units); 20 Clinical Hours required
  • EDSE 4815/6: M/M Support Needs Practicum I/II (6 units) OR
  • EDSE 4915/6: Extensive Support Needs Practicum I/II (6 units)

44 total ESCP units (6 corequisite units and 38 credential units)

D. ESCP Practicum: After completing all ESCP coursework with a “B” average or better and verification of subject matter competence, complete the following courses:


Note: Apply for credential specific practicum a semester prior to placement. If you are a Teacher-of-Record (i.e., STSP or Intern, you must also enroll in EDUC 6538: Intern/Practicum Seminar after receiving permission from the Intern Coordinator. If you have questions, please consult with the ESCP Coordinator.

1.  If seeking Mild/Moderate Support Needs Credential enroll in:

2.  If seeking Moderate/Extensive Support Needs Credential enroll in:

Total Units for the Education Specialist Credential Program: 44 Units


(6 corequisites + 38 program units)

Concurrent Enrollment in Multiple and Single Subject Credential Programs


There is an option to receive dual credentials: a M/M Support Needs or ESN credential in addition to a Multiple Subject’s credential. (See Course Road Map). Additionally, a concurrent option can be implemented with a Single Subject’s credential. Please contact the SSCP or ESCP Coordinators to review course road map options, which are dependent upon the Single-Subject’s credential.  See information sheets regarding the options on our Education Specialist website at Special Education Forms and Documents | California State University Stanislaus

Education Specialist Internship Option: Mild/Moderate or Extensive Support Needs


The internship option permits candidates in the Education Specialist Credential Program to obtain employment as a teacher in cooperating school districts while completing requirements for the Preliminary Credential. Interns must still complete all courses and requirements of the credential program. To qualify for an internship, candidates must meet the following requirements:

  • Possess a B.A. / B.S. degree
  • Complete the BSE requirement
  • Meet Subject Matter competency requirement
  • Meet the U.S. Constitution requirement (i.e., coursework or examination)
  • Tuberculosis (TB) Clearance
  • Certificate of Clearance (Fingerprint clearance)
  • Complete CPR Certification that includes Infant/Child/Adult and meets the American Red Cross and/or American Heart Association criteria
  • Prerequisite Courses for Interns - Complete 120 hours of post-baccalaureate studies to include (or equivalent if courses completed prior to baccalaureate degree):
  1.   
  2. Multilingual Education: Complete one of the following:
    a.    OR
    b.    OR
    c.  
  3.   

 Note: If these courses have been completed prior to earning the B.A. degree, see ESCP Program Coordinator for alternate coursework to meet the 120 credit hour requirement by the CTC.

Licensure/Credentialing Requirements


Admission into programs leading to licensure or credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure or credential requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or taxpayer identification number) and successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs, to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements.

Professional licensure notification from the Chancellor’s Office.