Are you a passionate and creative person who loves working with children? Do you believe that students with all types of abilities belong together? Do you enjoy working collaboratively as part of a team of professionals? Then, take on a challenge and make a difference in teaching children with extensive support needs!
The Education Specialist Instruction Credential: Extensive Support Needs authorizes the holder to conduct Educational Assessments related to students’ access to the academic curriculum and progress towards meeting instructional goals, provide instruction, and Special Education Support to students with extensive support needs related to one or more of the following disabilities: autism, deafblind, emotional disturbance, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, specific learning disability, and traumatic brain injury; in kindergarten, including transitional kindergarten, grades 1-12 through age 22, and classes organized primarily for adults in services across the continuum of program options available.
Cal State LA’s Education Specialist Credential Program in ESN will provide you with the knowledge, skills and training to become a competent and innovative teacher meeting the diverse needs of students with ESN in various school settings with a particular focus on inclusion in general education to the maximum extent possible.
Applications for Spring 2025 Admissions are now open through October 31, 2024
Admission Requirements
- GPA of 2.5 overall or 2.75 in the last 60 semester/90 quarter units.
- Certificate of Clearance from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
- Philosophy Statement
- Negative TB Test within four calendar years.
Please note - basic skills and subject matter competency exam/coursework are required once admitted, not to apply.
Purpose of the Program
The purpose of the Education Specialist Credential in Extensive Support Needs program is to prepare students and/or interns to become:
- Highly trained teachers providing individualized instruction to meet the educational, behavioral, communication, and functional needs of students with disabilities utilizing evidence-based educational strategies;
- Effective team members collaborating with parents, related service professionals, para-educators, general education teachers, and administrators;
- A proactive advocate protecting the educational right of students with extensive support needs from multicultural/multilingual backgrounds.
Professional Commitments, Disposition, and Values
Graduates of the Education Specialist Credential in ESN will develop a commitment to optimizing the educational outcomes for students with a range of disabilities at all levels. Candidates of this program will be aware of the essential evidence-based teaching strategies for students with disabilities, the various roles and functions of professionals in special education, and the impact of cultural diversity on education. To ensure quality education for students with ESN, they must be able to:
- Assess individual educational needs,
- Provide evidence-based instruction,
- Build collaboration,
- Promote parent participation,
- Evaluate the effectiveness of current educational practices.
Career Options
The Education Specialist Instruction Credential: Extensive Support Needs authorizes the holder to conduct assessments, provide instruction, and special education-related services for individuals with a primary disability of autism, intellectual disabilities, deaf-blindness, emotional disturbance, and multiple disabilities, in kindergarten, grades 1 through 12 to age 22, and classes organized primarily for adults in services across the continuum of program options available.
Program Faculty
As a part of the Option in EXTENSIVE SUPPORT NEEDS, students receive individual advisement and instruction from expert faculty members who combine extensive classroom-teaching experience and scholarship in the area. For more information regarding the Option in EXTENSIVE SUPPORT NEEDS, Contact the Program Coordinator OR your academic advisor:
Bryan E. Thornton, Ph.D.
Office: King Hall C1034
Phone: (323) 343-4400
Email: bthornt4@calstatela.edu
Christina H, Kimm, Ph.D., BCBA - Program Coordinator
Office: King Hall C1033
Phone: (323) 343-4416 / Fax: (323) 343-5605
E-mail: ckimm@calstatela.edu