Early Childhood Special Education Certificate of Achievement

The Early Childhood Special Education Certificate of Achievement provides students with foundational knowledge and skills for those working with young children with disabilities (birth through age 8) in either self-contained or inclusive learning environments. The 24-unit certificate of achievement requires eight courses, each of which targets key concepts and competencies integral to the Special Education profession, including but not limited to:

1. Characteristics of children with diverse disabilities as outlined by legislated categorical definitions and criteria
2. Curriculum adaptations and modifications
3. Positive Behavior Support, and
4. Culminating student practicum under guided supervision in an inclusive or special education setting.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Note: California law requires that all licensed childcare programs submit employee and certain volunteer fingerprints for a criminal record check before individuals can work or volunteer at a facility. The Live Scan background verification requires applicants to provide proof of identification (e.g., a Social Security Number or ITIN) for employees and volunteers.

To meet ECE Program Requirements, students must successfully pass an ECE Practicum course: ECE 366 or 966 for students earning an Associate Degree or Certificate of Achievement in Early Childhood Education, or ECE 367 for students earning a Certificate of Achievement in Early Childhood Special Education.

To enroll in ECE 366, 966, or 367, students must:

• Complete and pass a Live Scan background verification. Applicants will be asked to provide their 10-digit ATI (Automated Transaction Identifier) number and date of birth, which allows the ECE program to verify that the Live Scan requirement has been met.

Note: There is a cost associated with completing the Live Scan requirement. Costs vary by vendor. Students should check with individual Live Scan operators for total costs and acceptable payment methods.

For further information regarding program admissions requirements, please visit the Early Childhood Education program website.