SPE Credential Early Childhood Special Education Application

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Application Process

Admission to the program is a two-step process; in addition to the CSU University application, you must also submit the supplemental Credential Program application. If currently enrolled as a CSUDH graduate student, the University application is not required.

  1. Apply to the University online at Cal State Apply- $70.00 University Fee (non-refundable)
    1. Please review the application guide for additional information. You will need a nine- digit Student ID to complete the Credential Program Application in Step 2. Please apply early to the university as it can take up to five business days to issue your Student ID via email. You can also retrieve your ID by visiting csudh.edu/username
    2. Please Note: Official transcripts from all institutions attended must be submitted to the Admissions Office prior to the deadline.

      Helpful tips to ensure your transcripts are received:

      • Submit your Cal State Apply application prior to sending official transcripts from your former institutions.
      • Use the same name on your Cal State Apply application as on your transcripts (if your name has changed, indicate this in your transcript order).

     2. Apply to the credential program

        1. Review the program admission requirements
        2. Review the quick process guide for submitting your credential program application
          • Please note: When completing the Program Application, you will select the following program cods: EC – SPE ECSE (Early Childhood)
          • If you are interested in adding the Bilingual Authorization to your program, select the BILA cohort on the application.
      1. Prepare documents to be scanned and uploaded

Application Deadline Dates

Spring Term: November 1st

Fall Term: June 1st

Preliminary Admission Requirements

Degree

Bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

Upload copy of unofficial transcript from the institution where you earned your degree, combined into one file (PDF, etc).

Any candidate who's bachelor's degree has not been conferred can be conditionally admitted pending degree confirmation.

GPA Requirement

A cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 in the last 60 semester units or 2.50 in all baccalaureate or postbaccalaureate coursework, or hold an acceptable post-baccalaureate degree earned at an accredited institution. If you do not meet this requirement, you are required to complete a Low GPA Petition for Exception Form and email to coeadmissionsunit@csudh.edu.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must provide two professional recommendations by following the process listed below. Recommendations must be completed by a faculty member, employer, or someone that is knowledgeable regarding the applicant’s personal qualities and ability to work with children. Recommendations from family members and friends are not acceptable.

Instructions:

  1. Complete the online Letter of Recommendation Request. You will include the names and email addresses of two recommenders.
  2. Your recommenders will be emailed a link to complete a Letter of Recommendation on your behalf. 
  3. Once a recommender completes their letter, the Admissions team will receive it, and you will receive a notification email.
  4. Upload one notification email to the "1st Letter of Recommendation" section of your application, and the other notification email to the "2nd Letter of Recommendation" section of your application.

Recommenders must complete their Letters of Recommendation by the published application deadline.

Fingerprint Clearance

Certificate of Clearance, Emergency, substitute permit, or pre-intern credential. Please note, the application for a Certificate of Clearance includes

  1. Completing the fingerprint process;
  2. Applying for the Certificate of Clearance and
  3. Submitting your certificate with your online application.

For instructions on how to apply, please visit the State of California, Commission on Teacher Credentialing webpage (allow 10 days for processing). 

ESCP Student Commitment Form

Applicants must read the Equitable Standards for Clinical Practice Student Commitment Form, complete the following fields on page 2 of the form, and upload to the application:

- Student Name
- ID #
- Student Signature
- Date

CPR Certification

Applicants must provide proof of valid CPR certification, which satisfies criteria established by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. These areas include infant, child and adult CPR. Online certification is acceptable.

  1. Submit a copy of your signed CPR card (front and back) or PDF certification, with your online program application. Your CPR certification must be valid for the duration of the program.
Tuberculosis Clearance

Applicants must provide verification of freedom from active tuberculosis. The TB test report or a letter from a physician regarding a chest x-ray, must have been administered within the last year and clearly indicate a negative result, as well as applicant name, DOB, and clinic information or stamp. This test may be completed at any health facility. If the applicant is a current CSUDH student, they may contact the CSUDH Student Health Center for a tuberculosis test. The telephone number is (310)-243-3629. 

Verification of U.S. Constitution

This requirement can be met by coursework (grade C or better) or by US Constitution Exam. If providing a transcript where you completed this requirement, highlight the course on the transcript. Note: CSU alumni meet this requirement upon completion of a bachelor’s degree.

Resume

Upload a copy of your current resume.

Field Experience

Candidates will be conditionally admitted pending successful completion of their first documented field experience within the program, as well as Phase I coursework.

Required for admission to Clinical Practice (Clinical practice application must be submitted one semester prior to enrolling in clinical practice courses)

Please note: When completing the Clinical Program Application, you will select one of the following  program codes:

  • EC_E: Clinical Student Teacher for Early Childhood Special Education
  • EC_I: Clinical Intern for Early Childhood Special Education
Approved Program Plan

Candidates must submit an approved program plan prior to admission to clinical practice. Candidates are required to meet with an advisor to complete the program plan. Please provide ample time to schedule an appointment with your academic advisor. Academic advisor’s schedules are available in Dept. offices.

Credential - Interns Only

Candidates must provide a copy of their valid Intern Credential.

Intern Site Administrator Approval Form - Interns Only

Download the Intern Site Administrator Approval Form, then follow the steps below:

1.) Complete the Student Information section.

2.) Have your site administrator (or designee) complete the Site Administrator Section (including signature and date).

3.) Scan and upload your completed document to your application.

Bilingual Authorization Requirements (if applicable)

  1. Bilingual Authorization: Candidates may complete a preliminary Credential with Bilingual Authorization in Spanish simultaneously by meeting the following requirements:
    1. Language & Culture Competencies
    2. Foundations Coursework in Critical Dual Language & Bilingual Education
    3. Dual Language & Bilingual Elementary Content Methods Courses
    4. Fieldwork Experiences in Dual Language & Bilingual Inclusive Schools

NOTE: Incomplete applications will not be processed