What is a Preliminary Education Specialist, Extensive Support Needs Credential?

A Preliminary Education Specialist, Extensive Support Needs Credential authorizes the holder to teach students with extensive support needs, including those with moderate to severe disabilities, in grades K-12 and through age 22 in California. This credential prepares educators to work in specialized and inclusive settings, focusing on individualized education plans (IEPs), behavior support, communication strategies, and adaptive skills. It is the initial credential required for those seeking to enter the field of special education with a focus on students who require more intensive support and specialized instruction.

Do teaching credentials expire?

Even if you stay in your home state and have no intentions of moving, most teachers still have to renew their credentials every five years. One of the main criteria for renewal is showing proof of dedication to continuing education, whether through in-service training sessions or formal academic study.

How does the Extensive Support Needs Credential differ from the Mild to Moderate Support Needs Credential?

A Preliminary Education Specialist, Mild to Moderate Support Needs Credential authorizes the holder to teach students with mild to moderate disabilities in grades K-12 and through age 22 in California. This credential prepares educators to work in general and inclusive classrooms, focusing on behavior support, communication strategies, and adaptive skills. It is the initial credential required for those seeking to enter the field of special education with a focus on students who can participate in a general classroom environment but need accommodations to be able to keep pace with the class. The Preliminary Education Specialist, Extensive Support Needs Credential is distinct from other special education credentials primarily due to its specialized focus on students with moderate to severe disabilities, multiple disabilities, autism, or other serious impairments. This credential authorizes the holder to teach students in grades K-12 and through age 22 in California and prepares educators to work in specialized and inclusive settings, focusing on individualized education plans (IEPs), behavior support, communication strategies, and adaptive skills. Other California special education credentials include Early Childhood Special Education, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and Standards Visual Impairments.

How long does it take to earn this Preliminary Education Specialist, Extensive Support Needs Credential?

To earn this extensive support needs SPED credential, you will need to complete 36 credit hours of coursework — 18 introductory block credits (four courses) and 18 content area block credits (six courses), along with 10 credit hours of student teaching or 12 credit hours of interning. This SPED credential can be earned as quickly as 18 to 24 months. This timeframe assumes you take two courses per eight-week session, and it may vary depending upon the session in which you start. Remember, should you choose the UMass Global Internship Pathway, you can begin intern teaching as the teacher of record in a classroom after only four courses. That way you can start earning a salary while finishing your credential coursework.

What are the benefits of obtaining a Preliminary Special Education Credential, Extensive Support Needs Credential?

Obtaining a Preliminary Special Education Credential, Extensive Support Needs offers numerous benefits for educators and their students: Specialized Training: This credential provides educators with specialized training to effectively teach and support students with moderate to severe disabilities. This includes strategies for behavior management, communication, and adaptive skills. Career Opportunities: Educators with this credential are highly sought after due to the specialized nature of the role. There is a growing demand for teachers who are qualified to work with students who have extensive support needs. While this credential is specifically for teaching SPED in California, it lays the groundwork for a teacher to also work in other states with some additional coursework or testing. Making a Difference: Educators can make a significant difference in the lives of students with extensive support needs, helping them achieve their fullest potential in academic, social, and personal development. Advocacy and Leadership: Teachers with this credential often become advocates for students with disabilities, influencing policy and promoting inclusive education practices within their schools and communities. Collaboration Skills: Working with students with extensive support needs requires collaboration with families, therapists, and other educational professionals, enhancing teamwork and communication skills. Personal Fulfillment: Many educators find personal fulfillment and a strong sense of purpose in helping students with significant challenges overcome barriers and succeed in their educational journey. Earning a Preliminary Special Education Credential, Extensive Support Needs Credential equips educators with the skills and knowledge to provide high-quality education to students with significant disabilities, while also offering a rewarding and impactful career path.

What are key characteristics of a special education teacher?

There are many characteristics that are essential for teachers who work with special needs students. Some examples include:They are active listenersThey have strong social perception skillsThey understand how to support different learning stylesThey’re adept at complex problem solvingThey are service oriented

Dr. Anne Spillane

Associate Professor of Education

Education

Specialty Special Education, Education

spillane@umassglobal.edu

(925) 930-2025

(925) 930-2001

Dr. Spillane has worked as full time faculty in the SOE, in the Special Education program at UMass Global since 2012. She received her Ph.D. in Intellectual Disabilities & Autism from Columbia University in 2006. Prior to earning her Ph.D. she taught students with moderate/severe disabilities in public and private schools for over a decade. As a special education teacher, she included students with severe disabilities into the general education environment at the elementary, middle, and high school level.

Columbia University
Ph.D. in Intellectual Disabilities and Autism, 2006
Dissertation: The relative effectiveness of two approaches to abuse prevention for individuals with moderate to severe disabilities

University of California at Santa Barbara
M.A. in Education, 1991
Severely Handicapped Teaching Credential

Simmons College
B.A. in Elementary Education, 1987
Elementary Education Teaching Credential

2013 - Board of Institutional Reviewers, CCTC
2015 - Project Cornerstone – School Lead
2016 - International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disability & Developmental Disabilities: Presenter

University of Massachusetts Global, 2012
Assistant Professor of Special Education

National University, 2006
Assistant Professor of Special Education

Ivy Ranch Elementary School, 1997
Special Education Teacher, SDC for Severe Disabilities
Oceanside, CA

University of California at Santa Barbara
M.A. in Education, 1991
Severely Handicapped Teaching Credential

Simmons College
B.A. in Elementary Education, 1987
Elementary Education Teaching Credential

2013 - Board of Institutional Reviewers, CCTC
2015 - Project Cornerstone – School Lead
2016 - International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disability & Developmental Disabilities: Presenter

University of Massachusetts Global, 2012
Assistant Professor of Special Education

National University, 2006
Assistant Professor of Special Education

Ivy Ranch Elementary School, 1997
Special Education Teacher, SDC for Severe Disabilities
Oceanside, CA

Young man with Down Syndrome is solving a math problem while his male teacher, who has a cognitive disability, looks on.

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Teaching & Education

Teaching Credential - SPED (Extensive Support Needs)

With this California Preliminary Special Education Credential, you’ll be able to make a difference in the learning and development of students who have moderate to severe disabilities. Plus, our Internship Pathway allows you to become intern eligible after just four classes!

Next Start Date:

Aug 25, 2025

Learn More

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CA Only

Teaching & Education

Teaching Credential - SPED (Mild to Moderate Support Needs)

With this California Preliminary Special Education Credential, you’ll be able to make a difference for students who can function within a general classroom setting but require various accommodations for success. Plus, our Internship Pathway allows you to become intern eligible after just four classes!

Next Start Date:

Aug 25, 2025

Learn More

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Teaching & Education

Special Education (Applied Behavioral Analyst), MA

This Master of Arts in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis emphasis, will enable you to advocate for those with disabilities and improve the teaching strategies used to impact their success in the classroom.

Next Start Date:

Aug 25, 2025

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A little student with Down syndrome with tutor teacher programming electric toys and robots at robotics classroom

CA Only

Teaching & Education

Special Education (Teaching & Learning), MA

This Master of Arts in Special Education degree prepares teachers looking to become special education instructors that can advocate for social justice and protect the dignity of those with disabilities.

Next Start Date:

Aug 25, 2025

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Teaching & Education

Special Education (Autism), MA

Prepare to address the instructional and assessment needs for students identified with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in a flexible master's program designed for working adults.

Next Start Date:

Aug 25, 2025

Learn More

CA Only

Teaching & Education

Added Authorization - Autism Spectrum Disorder

This state-approved, autism specialist certificate is a four-course, 12-unit program providing either a CTC-designated authorization to serve learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders or a Certificate of Completion.

Next Start Date:

Oct 20, 2025

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