Department of Special Education - Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education

Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education

This program offers an opportunity for students enrolled in professional programs or practicing professionals in education to pursue additional training in working with infants and toddlers with special needs (from birth to five years) and their families.

The transdisciplinary approach to this training makes the program equally valuable for related professionals, such as physical and occupational therapists, speech therapists, nurses, psychologists, and social workers.

Graduates of the program may hold jobs in a variety of public and private early childhood special education settings which include schools and hospitals as well as private and government agencies.

Students are urged to observe the general requirements as well as the specific departmental requirements stated here and in the special bulletins available from the department upon request.

We offer 3 options:

1. Infant Intervention Specialization
The Infant Intervention Specialization is designed to provide professionals with the skills needed to work with atypical infants(from birth to three years of age) and their families. Emphasis is placed on family involvement and an interdisciplinary approach to intervention.

SPED 777	Atypical Infant Development	3
SPED 737	Infant Intervention	3
SPED 780	Assessment and Program Evaluation in Early Childhood Special Education	3
SPED 736	Biomedical and Development Aspects of Neonatal/Infant Care	3
SPED 779	Family Systems and Services	3
SPED 831	Internship in Early Childhood Special Education	3
	Total Units Required	18

2. Preschool Intervention Specialization
The Preschool Intervention Specialization focuses on preparing professionals to work with three to five year old children who are disabled or who are at-risk for developmental delay and their families. Emphasis is placed on intervention techniques which successfully facilitate the child's development in the least restrictive environment.

SPED 738	Preschool Intervention	3
SPED 779	Family Systems and Services	3
SPED 777	Atypical Infant Development	3
SPED 780	Assessment and Program Evaluation in Early Childhood Special Education Settings	3
SPED 831	Internship in Education of Exceptional Children	3
	Early Childhood Education Course of Choice	3
	Total Units Required	18

3. Family Services Specialization
The Family Services Specialization program prepares professionals to develop and implement individualized intervention programs for families, link families with community services, and communicate effectively with family members. Family situations that generate unique needs will be emphasized.

SPED 779	Family Systems and Services	3
SPED 777	Atypical Infant Development	3
SPED 737	Infant Intervention	3
SPED 780	Assessment and Program Evaluation in Early Childhood Special Education Settings	3
SPED 831	Internship in Education of Exceptional Children	3
	Family Counseling Course (offered through other departments)	3
	Total Units Required	18

Program Advisor
Summer Hsia
Phone: (415) 338-2502
Office: BH 148
Email: tshsia@aol.com