Integrated Teacher Education Program

B.A. Degree in Early Childhood Studies with a Special Education Credential Integrated Teacher Education Program

The final ITEP cohort was admitted in the Fall of 2024. Please contact Dr. Jennifer Mahdavi (jennifer.mahdavi@sonoma.edu) about the ECS Blended Special Education Teaching Concentration.

Integrated Teacher Education Program in Special Education (ITEP-SE) Information Packet (PDF)

Children in their school day from the Special Needs Preschool

There is a critical need for special education teachers in California and across the nation. With the Early Childhood Studies Integrated Teacher Education program in Special Education (ITEP-SE), you have the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Studies and a credential in Special Education in a four-year intensive program. 

The ITEP-SE program is offered by the Department of Early Childhood Studies and the Department of Educational Leadership and Special Education in the School of Education. The mission of the Early Childhood Studies department is to prepare knowledgeable and caring professionals who are committed to contributing to a just society through high-quality education and social services for all children and families. The mission of the Education Specialist credential programs is the advancement of excellence within the special education profession. Combined, these two departments offer you a strong foundation in developmental principles and the specific skills you need to support students with disabilities in achieving their goals.

The ECS major provides a foundational focus on:

  • human development
  • family systems
  • and advocacy for young children in their communities.

The Special Education Program builds on that foundation with commitments to:

  • evidence-based instruction for individuals with disabilities ages 5 to 22
  • inclusive educational practices
  • and collaborative relationships with families, teachers, and administrators.

ITEP-SE Requirements

The ITEP-SE requires that you complete a total of 134-135 units. Units fall into the following categories:

  • General Education (48 units)
  • ECS Major Units (33 Core)
  • Credential Units (46-47 units)
  • University Electives (10-11 units)
     

Quick Overview

Years 1 and 2

Complete General Education (GE) and lower-division courses in the ECS major or ADT: Child Development
Spring of Sophmore Year Apply to the ITEP-SE Credential program
Year 3 and 4 Complete upper-division GE, upper-division courses in the ECS major, and special education credential courses.

 

The ITEP-SE program is more intensive than programs that lead to a typical bachelor’s degree – you should plan to work closely with your advisor and to complete 15-19 units per semester.

Requirements

  • Students must complete two years in the Early Childhood Studies major at Sonoma State University or an Associate Degree for Transfer in Early Childhood Education at a California Community College before applying to the ITEP-SE concentration. Those who change majors or complete a transfer program other than Child Development may still apply, but cannot complete the degree and credential in four years.
  • Transfer students and students currently enrolled at SSU must have a GPA of at least 2.67 in order to declare Early Childhood Studies- ITEP-SE as a major.
  • Meet all statutory requirements for entry to the ITEP-SE credential program.

ITEP-SE Advisors

For more information on the concentration, contact Jennifer Mahdavi, jennifer.mahdavi@sonoma.edu, and Chiara Bacigalupa, chiara.bacigalupa@sonoma.edu.