About Special Education TK-12

This Certificate of Achievement in Special Education TK (transitional kindergarten) - 12 builds on the Special Education Certificate of Accomplishment to build knowledge, skills and abilities related to inclusive and special education in TK-12 settings working with children 4-18 years old.

This certificate completes additional educational requirements for Special Education teaching assistant positions and is part of a pathway towards earning a Special Education and/or Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential to teach in TK-5 classrooms.

Explore Potential Careers

Current positions available in the area include para-professional positions, teachers aide, community based supportive services positions and others in Special Education. Students are prepared for a range of jobs and after additional study can enter administration, TK-12 teaching, school administration, family support, school-based counseling, community - based services, etc. Many positions are locally available for those with an interest in serving students with special needs. Coursework also benefits current teachers in inclusive classroom settings.

Program Options 

Click on the degree or certificate you're interested in earning to see a sample map of courses to take to complete your goal from start to finish.

For students interested in earning an AA degree and transferring, the Child and Adolescent Development AA-T degree "stacks" well with this certificate as it provides for graduation, ease of transfer and some coursework that is required for future TK-12th grade teachers in teacher preparation pathways. Special Education content is valuable for all teachers as many classrooms are inclusive and provides a foundation for those entering special education specifically.

Please note that the course maps provided are just an example to help you get started. Please meet with a counselor to personalize the plan to you and your Academic goals. 

View Requirements in College Catalog

Required Courses:

Course Number Course Title Units
CDEV 53 Child Growth and Development 3
CDEV 67 Child, Family, and Community 3
CDEV 120 Special Education TK-12 3
CDEV 150 Orientation to TK-12 Education 3

Total Units: 12

Choose one of the following courses:

Course Number Course Title Units
CDEV 95 School-Age Child Care Curriculum 3
CDEV 97 School Age Growth & Development 3

Total Units: 3

Choose three of the following one-unit courses:

Course Number Course Title Units
CDEV 121 Children with ADHD 1
CDEV 122 Social Emotional Differences K-12 1
CDEV 123 Learning Disabilities 1
CDEV 124 Individualized Education Programs 1

Total Units: 3

Overall Total Units: 18

Transfer Options

All area CSU's and private institutions provide transfer continuity. SFSU specifically offers a variety of emphasis areas within the Child and Adolescent Development Dept. for those interested in pursuing teaching careers. Future teachers also can major in Liberal Studies, Ethnic Studies and subject area content. USF also offers a transfer pathway for CCSF students. Future credentialed teachers need a BA or BS degree AND a California teaching credential. Local teacher credential programs include: SFSU, USF, SFUSD and other private and public options within the SF Bay Area. Specific Special Education credentials are locally available and many SPED teaching positions are open in the area.

Have questions about transfer? Visit the Transfer Center for help, transfer information, and/or to speak with college representatives.