Credentials in Special Education

Education Specialist Credentials

The Department of Special Education at SFSU offers post-baccalaureate programs leading to the following Educational Specialist Credentials:

• Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credentials
• Professional Level II Education Specialist Credentials
• Cinical Rehabilitative Services Credentials (CRS) specializing in Communication Disorders (CD) or Orientation and Mobility (O&M).

English Language Learner Information (pdf format)

Programs in teacher preparation for the Education Specialist Credentials are approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Programs are organized via a two-tiered system: The Preliminary Level I and the Professional Clear Level II. Each level is based on California teaching standards with unique requirements for preliminary and professional certification.

SFSU Level I and Level II Education Specialist credential preparation programs consist of specializations in the following areas:

• Early Childhood Special Education (birth to pre-K only): children eligible for early intervention, special education, and/or related services under federal law.
• Mild/Moderate Disabilities (K-12, including adults): learning disabilities, cognitive impairments, other health impaired, and emotional disturbance.
• Moderate/Severe Disabilities (K-12, including adults): autism, cognitive impairment, deaf-blindness, emotional disturbance, and multiple disabilities.
• Physical and Health Impairments (0-22): orthopedically impaired, other health impaired, traumatic brain injury, multiple disabilities.
• Visual Impairments (0-22): blind, visually impaired, deaf-blind.