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. This includes students with multiple disabilities, neurodivergence, and cognitive 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.

What's the difference between an Extensive Support Needs Credential and a 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 working with students with fewer support needs.The Preliminary Education Specialist, Extensive Support Needs Credential is distinct from other special education credentials primarily because of its specialized focus on students with higher support needs, including those with autism, multiple disabilities, or cognitive disabilities. This credential authorizes the holder to teach students in grades K-12 and through age 22 in California. It 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.

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 support needs, while also offering a rewarding and impactful career path.

Is UMass Global accredited in California for teaching credentials?

University of Massachusetts Global's Credential and Authorization Education programs are accredited by California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). In fact, UMass Global is the second largest provider of teaching credentials in California and has been teaching teachers throughout the state for more than 60 years (previously Brandman University).

Course Based Programs

WASC Senior College and University Commission

University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

California Commission on Teaching Credentialing

University of Massachusetts Global's School of Education is accredited by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CTC).

Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation

University of Massachusetts Global is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

UMass Global's Bachelor and Master of Social Work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

UMass Global Course-Based Benefits

Designed for Adult Students

Convenient online classes start every 8 weeks, 6 times a year.

Dedicated Resources

From applications to graduation, University of Massachusetts Global helps you achieve your goals with comprehensive student support services.

Faculty-Led Courses

Receive relevant, real-world instruction in small class sizes that can be applied directly to your workplace.

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Business

Excel Basics, Course

Learn foundational skills of Excel to gain the ability to efficiently and effectively organize and analyze data.

Starts From: $95

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Excel Basics, Course

Learn foundational skills of Excel to gain the ability to efficiently and effectively organize and analyze data.

Degree Earned: Certificates & Courses

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Business

Excel Tips & Tricks, Course

Learn the 25 most popular Excel tips and tricks for both novice and advanced Excel users.

Starts From: $95

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Excel Tips & Tricks, Course

Learn the 25 most popular Excel tips and tricks for both novice and advanced Excel users.

Degree Earned: Certificates & Courses

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1 PDU

Teaching & Education

Explicit Instruction in Elementary Reading, Course

This course covers the research-driven model of explicit instruction by teaching how to select the appropriate reading behavior or skill for your student or groups, build an action plan aligned to student goals, and implement the lesson into your elementary reading classroom.

Starts From: $210

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Explicit Instruction in Elementary Reading, Course

1 PDU

This course covers the research-driven model of explicit instruction by teaching how to select the appropriate reading behavior or skill for your student or groups, build an action plan aligned to student goals, and implement the lesson into your elementary reading classroom.

Degree Earned: Certificates & Courses

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CA Only

Teaching & Education

Extensive Support Needs, EdSp Teaching Credential

Transform lives through UMass Global's CTC-accredited Special Education Credential (Extensive Support Needs). Serve K-22 students with intern eligibility after 4 courses.

Next Start Date:

May 4, 2026

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Extensive Support Needs, EdSp Teaching Credential

CA Only

Transform lives through UMass Global's CTC-accredited Special Education Credential (Extensive Support Needs). Serve K-22 students with intern eligibility after 4 courses.

Degree Earned: Credentials & Authorizations

Next Start: 05/04/2026

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Next Start: 05/04/2026

I would have never been able to quit my job to enroll in school. That was not an option because I'm a breadwinner in my household. Having the opportunity to keep my job and continue to work, and to work around my schedule as a full-time employee and a mother of a toddler was really the icing on top.

Monica T.

Business Administration, MBA

My journey at UMass Global has been transformative. The university not only equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for success but also instills a sense of purpose and a passion for lifelong learning. If you are considering applying to UMass Global, be prepared to embark on a fulfilling educational adventure that goes beyond traditional academic boundaries.

Julia R.

Teaching, MA with Extensive Support Needs Credential

SDC Teacher, Palmdale School District

The professors realized I have a life and wanted to pursue my dreams. They didn’t make me feel like I had to choose between family and school. They made me feel like I could be successful in both.

Dominique H.

Psychology, BA

Course-Based Programs

Instructor-Led Learning, Built For Busy Lives

WASC Senior College and University Commission

California Commission on Teaching Credentialing

Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

UMass Global Course-Based Benefits

Designed for Adult Students

Dedicated Resources

Faculty-Led Courses

Programs Offered

Excel Basics, Course

Excel Basics, Course

Excel Tips & Tricks, Course

Excel Tips & Tricks, Course

Explicit Instruction in Elementary Reading, Course

Explicit Instruction in Elementary Reading, Course

Extensive Support Needs, EdSp Teaching Credential

Extensive Support Needs, EdSp Teaching Credential

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Current Students

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About UMass Global