Apply

Students interested in teaching children with special needs should obtain a bachelor’s degree and an Education Specialist Instruction Credential. The Education Specialist Instruction Credential authorizes the holder to teach in the disability area of specialization listed on the credential. The person holding this credential may work with elementary, junior high, or high school students. Specialty areas are listed below.

  • ​​Mild to Moderate Support Needs
  • Extensive Support Needs
  • Early Childhood Special Education
  • Deaf and Hard of Hearing
  • Visual Impairments

Credential Details

While the length of time for completion of a bachelor’s degree may vary from student to student, the degree is typically 120 semester units and takes approximately 4-5 years to complete when enrolling full-time. In addition, a teacher preparation program takes approximately 1 year to complete.

Education: A bachelor’s degree or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

Subject Matter Competence*: This requirement can be met one of the following ways and may differ depending on the teaching setting – multiple subject setting (i.e., elementary school) or single subject setting (i.e., junior high or high school):

  • Complete a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a discipline aligned with the credential. For Education Specialist, degree major will be dependent on interest in teaching in a multiple subject or single subject setting.
  • Pass the appropriate California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) to establish subject matter competency. Those interested in teaching in a multiple subject setting must pass the CSET: Multiple Subjects, while those interested in teaching in a single subject setting must pass the appropriate CSET to establish subject matter competency. The cost of the CSET varies by examination. For more information, visit www.ctcexams.nesinc.com.
  • Complete the appropriate undergraduate subject matter preparation program (SMPP) and obtain verification of completion form. Those interested in teaching in a multiple subject setting should complete an SMPP focusing on Elementary Subject Matter, while those interested in teaching in a single subject setting should complete an SMPP focusing on the appropriate single subject area. For more information and to search for a Commission-Approved Subject Matter Preparation Program, visit www.ctc.ca.gov.
  • Complete college-level coursework aligned with each domain of the subject matter requirements.
  • Combining coursework and exams including SMPP, CSET, and/or college-level coursework methods. 

Provisions and Principles of the U.S. Constitution: Complete a U.S. Constitution course (PS 1 at Irvine Valley College) with a “C” or better or by equivalent exam. 

Teacher Preparation Program: Complete an Education Specialist Instruction Credential program, approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), in an education specialist specialty area. Upon completion, obtain a formal recommendation for the credential by the program sponsor. For more information and to search for a Commission-Approved Educator Preparation Program, visit www.ctc.ca.gov.

Character and Identification Clearance: Submit the appropriate paperwork along with fingerprints to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). 

NOTE: As of June 2024, the Basic Skills Requirement for the Multiple Subject Credential will be met by completion of a bachelor’s degree.

The major you select will depend on the setting you plan to teach in – elementary, junior high, or high school. Select a major that provides the best preparation in the subject area. See a counselor for help with major selection.

Resources