Sonoma State University

Early Childhood Special Education Authorization

Apply to ECSE-AA 

Program Description 

Authorized by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the Early Childhood Special Education Added Authorization (ECSE-AA) may be appended to a Preliminary or Clear Education Specialist (Mild-Moderate or Moderate-Severe or Mild Moderate Support Needs, or Extensive Support Needs specialization) Credential. The ECSE-AA prepares teachers to deliver high quality school or in-home services to young children with disabilities (birth-5) and to their families. The added authorization is designed to meet California requirements for providing early intervention and/or teaching special education in early childhood settings. Courses, but not fieldwork, in the ECSE-AA program may also be used to fulfill master’s degree requirements.

Admissions 

  • Qualified candidates who only wish to earn the ECSE-AA must use the program application. You are not required to apply to Sonoma State University via CalState Apply.
  • Candidates who wish to earn an MA with the ECSE-AA should contact Dr. Jennifer Mahdavi for more information.
  • Applications accepted for Fall and Spring admission. 

Program Structure 

Prerequisites 

Candidate must be eligible for or hold a Preliminary or Clear Education Specialist (Mild-Moderate or Moderate-Severe specialization, or Mild Moderate Support Needs, or Extensive Support Needs) Credential. SSU does not offer a stand-alone ECSE credential. A minimum 3.0 GPA during the credential program is required.

Required Courses (12 units)

  • EDSP 432: Young Children with Special Needs (4 units) 
  • EDSP 522a: Partnering with Families in Early Childhood Special Education (3 units) 
  • EDSP 522b: Partnering with Families Fieldwork (1 unit) 
  • EDSP 523a: Assessment and Instruction in Early Childhood Special Education (3 units) 
  • EDSP 523b: Assessment and Instruction Fieldwork (1 unit) 

Completion and filling 

Upon successful completion of the Early Childhood Special Education Added Authorization program, candidates need to submit the "Request for Early Childhood Special Education Added Authorization" form to the School of Education Credentials Office to be recommended for the authorization.

Program Advising 

For additional information, please contact ECSE-AA program advisor Dr. Elizabeth Ducy.

Elizabeth Ducy

Dr. Elizabeth Ducy 
707-664-2246 
ducy@sonoma.edu