Early Childhood Specialist Credential FAQ
- What is the focus of the credential in Early Childhood Special Education?
What students will I be more likely to teach? - I know I want to be a teacher but I am still not sure if I want to focus on working with very young children. What should I do?
- Who are the main course instructors the Early Childhood Special Education?
- Who will be my faculty advisor?
- How can I get further information?
- Can I transfer credit from an out-of-state credential or degree, or from another California University?
What is the focus of the credential in Early Childhood Special Education?
What students will I be more likely to teach?
Candidates who complete the requirements for the Specialist Credential in Early Childhood Special Education are authorized to work with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with disabilities and their families. Candidates whose primary interest is working with students in grades K through 12 should explore Education Specialist credentials in Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Moderate/Severe Disabilities, or Physical and Health Impairments, all of which are offered by the Department. Candidates who already have a Specialist Credential in Mild/Moderate, Moderate/Severe, or Physical and Health Impairments and are interested in expanding their credentialing to work with young children may be interested in the Certificate in Early Childhood.
Teachers of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with disabilities, often referred to as early interventionists or early childhood special educators, who have the Specialist Credential in Early Childhood Special Education may provide special education programs and services to children with a wide range of disabilities. Children with visual impairments, hearing losses, or physical disabilities are included in many early childhood special education programs, they will also have a credentialed teacher with specialized training in these low incidence areas.
One of the most important skills of an early childhood special educator is working effectively with parents and other family members. This program emphasizes those skills as well as competence in assessment, curriculum planning, effective teaching, and program monitoring and evaluation. Courses in all department credential programs were developed according to the State Standards for Teacher Credentialing.
I know I want to be a teacher but I am still not sure if I want to focus on working very young children. What should I do?
One of the prerequisite courses (see General Information) for all of the credential programs, SPED 502, is a course that requires you to complete field visits to classrooms. You can use this opportunity to visit a variety of classrooms and meet the teachers and students. This will help you decide what type of teaching experience and what age level is right for you.
Who are the main course instructors the Early Childhood Special Education?
There are two full-time faculty members who teach the majority of courses in the Early Childhood Special Education Program.
Dr. Laura J. Hall is the Coordinator of the Moderate to Severe Credential Program. Her focus is on young children and elementary-aged students with a particular interest in communication and social interaction. See her faculty web-page for background and research interests. Although courses taught by faculty change from year to year, Dr. Hall is most likely to teach the following courses in the Early Childhood Special Education credential program: Assessment: Early Childhood Special Education and Moderate/Severe Disabilities: Service Coordination for infants and Toddlers with Disabilities: Adapting Communication Systems for Students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities; and Communication and Collaboration in Special Education.
Dr. Yasemin Turan Qian
In addition to the full-time faculty listed above, several ECSE professionals from the San Diego community provide supervision in practicum placements and participate in course instruction.
Who will be my faculty advisor?
After you apply to the Department of Special Education and complete the prerequisite requirements you will receive a letter of acceptance from the department that will be either an unconditional acceptance (when all the requirements have been completed) or conditional (most frequently the case) when you need to complete some requirements. This letter will also indicate the name of your faculty advisor.
How can I get further information?
Your first step towards further information would be to attend a group advising session offered by the Department of Special Education when the requirements and courses for all the credentials will be described.
Can I transfer credit from an out-of-state credential or degree, or from another California University?
This question is addressed on an individual basis. If you plan to enter the Early Childhood Special Education credential program, make an appointment with Dr. Laura Hall, (619) 594-0768 and bring copies of your transcripts and course descriptions in order to begin to discuss the process of accepting course substitutions from outside SDSU.
Laura Hall , Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Special Education
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA 92182-1170
Voice: (619)594-0768
Fax: (619)594-6628
ljhall@mail.sdsu.edu