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Early Childhood Special Education Added Authorization

Early Childhood Special Education Added Authorization

Added Authorization: For current California teachers with an Education Specialist credential looking to better serve younger special needs students. Can also be earned as part of the M.A. in Special Education.

Overview

If you currently work with or desire to work with young children with special needs, earning your added authorization in early childhood special education can help you advance your practice and your career.

You can earn your added authorization on its own or as part of a Master of Arts in Special Education.

Applicants for the Early Childhood Special Education Added Authorization must have a valid Education Specialist Credential.

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Application Information

Are you ready to take the next step and apply?

We're here to make the entire process a simple one. We'll walk you through the application process, answer your questions, and get you one step closer to earning your degree.

Program Start Date(s):

  • Spring 2025 Quad II — March 17, 2025
  • Summer 2025 Quad II — July 7, 2025

Application Deadline(s):

  • Spring 2025 Quad II — February 28, 2025
  • Summer 2025 Quad II — June 20, 2025

Note: It is typically best to start the Early Childhood Special Education Added Authorization in Summer Quad I. Check with your enrollment counselor for program start dates.

The Selection Process

The educational context at ¹ú²ú͵ÅÄ will challenge you to live a full life that integrates the pursuit of knowledge with beliefs, values, and actions. While honoring diverse perspectives and beliefs, Christian values and principles are woven into the educational experience. We understand your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it reflects you as a person. At ¹ú²ú͵ÅÄ, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admission into a graduate program. Your undergraduate GPA is an important piece of your application, but if you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement of a 3.0, you may still be eligible for admission based on your application package as well as the exceptions policy per your particular program.* Therefore, we strongly encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor, who will advise you regarding your qualifications and provide specific information about the admission under exceptions process.

To be admitted into ¹ú²ú͵ÅÄ's education program, you must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, as evidenced by an official transcript from an institution that indicates the completion of an undergraduate degree.

If you have any questions about your qualifications or the program in general, we encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor.

*Exceptions Policy: If you have below a 3.0 GPA in your baccalaureate degree, you will need to speak with your enrollment counselor for more information on the exceptions materials needed for your particular program.

Application Checklist

Note: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts, which can be submitted electronically or directly to ¹ú²ú͵ÅÄ, and test scores, which should be submitted electronically.

  1. Submit an online application for admissions (including $50 non-refundable application fee, which is waived for ¹ú²ú͵ÅÄ alums, current or former military and their dependents, and ¹ú²ú͵ÅÄ employees).
  2. Submit official transcripts with proof of earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.* (If you are a ¹ú²ú͵ÅÄ alumnus, please notify your counselor to have your transcripts retrieved. You do not need to request transcripts from the ¹ú²ú͵ÅÄ Office of Records.)

    Official transcripts must be sent to:
    ¹ú²ú͵ÅÄ
    Office of Graduate Admissions
    3900 Lomaland Dr.
    San Diego, CA 92106

    Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to:
    gradprocessing@pointloma.edu

    *Please note, official transcripts must be sent directly from the regionally accredited institution.
  3. Submit a personal essay, 2-3 pages in length and double spaced.
  4. Once you have submitted your admissions application, your two selected professional recommenders will automatically be sent the auto-generated document to complete on your behalf. If you'd like to include a written letter in addition to this required document, you may do so, but it's unnecessary.
  5. For credential seekers only: Submit basic skills exam (CBEST or equivalent) scores. This can be demonstrated by taking the CBEST exam
    • OR Multiple Subject CSET plus writing skills examination
    • OR CSU Early Assessment Program or the CSU Placement Examination
    • OR providing proof of a valid California teaching credential

State Authorization

State authorization is a formal determination by a state that ¹ú²ú͵ÅÄ (¹ú²ú͵ÅÄ) is approved to conduct activities regulated by that state. In certain states outside California, ¹ú²ú͵ÅÄ is not authorized to enroll students in online (distance education) courses and/or offer internships within that state. Student location is based on where a student is physically located while taking courses. Students taking face-to-face courses are located in California, regardless of their home state at the time of application.

If a student moves to another state after admission to a program and/or enrollment in an online course, continuation within the program and/or course will depend on whether ¹ú²ú͵ÅÄ is authorized to offer distance education courses in that state. If a student wishes to conduct an internship outside California, they must select a state where it is permitted. It is the student's responsibility to notify ¹ú²ú͵ÅÄ of any change in their physical location, other than incidental travel. Refer to the State Authorization map to view which states allow online (distance education) and/or internships outside California.

Professional Licensure or Certification

This program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and meets the requirements for educator certification in the state of California, where ¹ú²ú͵ÅÄ is physically located. For information about ¹ú²ú͵ÅÄ programs and out-of-state educational requirements for professional licensure or certification, please refer to our Disclosures page. Information about out-of-state requirements in teacher credentialing is available on . 

Career Opportunities

This authorization is designed for special education teachers.

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Financial Aid and Student Support

We take seriously the role of providing you with financial, academic, and career support so you have the tools you need to be successful at ¹ú²ú͵ÅÄ and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Financial Aid and Student Support

Course List

For information about the courses required for the Early Childhood Special Education Added Authorization program, view the ¹ú²ú͵ÅÄ Catalog. 

Department Faculty