Autism Added Authorization

Enrollment for the 24-25 school year is closed. 

WHAT IS AN AUTISM ADDED AUTHORIZATION?

The Beginning Teacher Programs is pleased to offer a path that fulfills the California requirements for the Added Authorization in Autism Spectrum Disorders (AAAS).  The AAAS authorizes the holder to conduct assessments and provide instruction and special education related services to individuals with a primary disability of autism at the grade and age levels authorized by the prerequisite credential.

Special Education teachers in California are required to have the Authorization in Autism Spectrum Disorders if they are teaching students with the primary disability of autism. Teachers who hold a Moderate/Severe or Severely Handicapped credential authorization are already authorized to teach students with autism and will not need to add this authorization. Teachers holding only a Mild/Moderate credential authorization or many other K-12 special education teachers are eligible to add the AAAS to their existing credential.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW 
LACOE's Added Authorization in Autism Spectrum Disorders (AAAS) program consists of three (3) courses which includes an embedded fieldwork component. The program starts in the fall and ends in the spring of the following year. Accelerated cohorts may occur at other times of the year depending on demand.

Candidates are required to attend class one evening a week (up to two in an accelerated cohort), which makes it feasible for candidates that are working. The program is currently fully online with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous meeting dates.

Transcript Evaluation: 
The Added Authorization in Autism Spectrum Disorders requires that all teachers meet the standards as outlined in the program approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).  Once LACOE is in receipt of special education transcripts, application forms and fees ($550 - first installment**) a transcript evaluation of all special education coursework will be done to assess possible equivalencies for this 6-unit program.  For consideration of equivalencies, the coursework must be equivalent to the courses offered by the LACOE AAAS program.
 

Course Requirements:
1.   Assessment*
2.   Collaboration Skills*
3.   Positive Behavior Management*
4.   Introduction to Autism
5.   Communication and Behavior for ASD
6.   Programming Strategies for ASD
* Most college and university programs already require these courses for a special education credential and most likely will be found on SPED transcripts. If not, a letter of verification form must be signed by your administrator acknowledging your competence in these areas.

Courses

• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Communication and Behavior for Austism Spectrum Disorders
• Programming Strategies in Autism
• Practicum Fieldwork in Autism Spectrum Disorders

PROGRAM COST and COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Nonrefundable application and transcript evaluation fee. 
$300 - Due at time of application.**

SPED 267 Introduction to Autism (1 unit)
This course is designed to provide candidates with knowledge of a range of disabilities within autism spectrum disorders and best practice methodologies, including applied behavioral analysis and sensory integration. In this course, candidates learn instructional approaches, behavior modification techniques, and therapy for students with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders. Throughout this course, research-based and scientifically proven approaches are addressed. 
$250 - Due at time of application.** 

SPED 258 Communication and Behavior for Autism Spectrum Disorders (2 units)
Different forms of communication and their effects on behavior are evaluated, while tools to improve communication are shared. Multiple modes of communication are explored; candidates describe the strategies that they feel are most effective with their populations and explain the reasons why. The idea that effective modes of communication can change a student’s behavior and their academic progress are investigated, and multiple methods of communication are discussed. Social stories, token economy systems, schedules and transitions are explained. Their effectiveness and how they benefit the student and the entire class is assessed.
$500 - Due 2 weeks before first day of class.

SPED 259/286 Programming Strategies for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders with Fieldwork (3 units)
Candidates will be given research-based approaches to teaching students with autism as well as known effective strategies, currently approved and used by teachers in the field. These may include Discrete Trial Training, Pivotal Response Training, visual systems, social stories, sensory activities, schedules, assessment and data collection.
*Fieldwork requires direct instruction between the teacher and at least one student whose primary disability is autism during the current school year and collected in a period of no less than 6 weeks. Without access, you will not be able to complete the added authorization.
$750 - Due 2 weeks before first day of class.

Total program cost $1,800 for 6 units. You may also pay $1800 in full at time of application. 

Have questions about Added Authorization? Email us at BTPAuthorizations@lacoe.edu

Early Childhood Special Education Added Authorization

Enrollment for the 24-25 school year is closed.

WHAT IS AN EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATION ADDED AUTHORIZATION?

The Beginning Teacher Programs is pleased to offer a path that fulfills the requirements for the Added Authorization in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE). This program is designed for candidates who have completed their preliminary Education Specialist Credential and are seeking authorization to deliver Early Intervention (EI) and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services to young children, from birth to pre-kindergarten, and their families. Through our courses of study, candidates will apply early childhood developmentally appropriate research and strategies to design and implement curriculum and learning environments that address each child's specific disability based on learning needs. They will focus on cognitive skills, language and literacy, motor skills, social/emotional growth and communication skills. Candidates will gain the knowledge of the basic principles, processes, procedures, and instruments that lead to appropriate interventions in addition to gaining a thorough understanding of the IFSP and IEP processes and ability to participate with the family and other members of the team. 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW 

LACOE's Added Authorization in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program is offered within Beginning Teacher Programs. The ECSE added authorization program consists of three (3) courses which includes an embedded fieldwork component. The program starts in the fall and ends in the spring of the following year. Candidates are required to attend class one evening a week, which makes it feasible for candidates that are working. To join the next cohort, fill out the interest form above and you will be contacted when fall schedules have been created. Transcripts, application forms and payment will be requested at that time.

Transcript Evaluation: 
The Added Authorization in Early Childhood Special Education requires that all teachers meet the standards as outlined in the program approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Once LACOE is in receipt of transcripts, application forms, and fees ($550- registration/transcript evaluation fee and tuition for first course**), a transcript evaluation will be done to assess possible equivalencies for this 7-unit program. Additionally, any extensive professional development and trainings specific to early childhood special education may apply for equivalency providing they are within the last 5 years and meet the minimum required hours for that course. For consideration of equivalencies, the coursework must be equivalent to the courses offered by the LACOE AAECSE program.

Course Requirements:
1. Assessment*
2. Collaboration Skills*
3. Positive Behavior Management*
4. Assessments & Interventions for Early Childhood
5. Curriculum and Environments in Early Childhood Special Education
6. Early Language & Communication
7. Advanced Special Education Practicum Supervision & Fieldwork (embedded)

* Most college and university programs already require these courses for a special education credential and most likely will be found on SPED transcripts. If not, a letter of verification form must be signed by your administrator acknowledging your competence in these areas.

Courses

• Curriculum and Environments in Early Childhood SPED
• Early Language and Communication
• Assessment and Intervention
• Advanced Special Education Practicum Supervision

PROGRAM COST AND COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

There is currently no due date for application but there is a maximum capacity for the program. We operate on a first-come/first serve basis. 

Nonrefundable application and transcript evaluation fee. 
$300 - Due at time of application.**

​SPED 276: Advanced Special Education Practicum Supervision and Fieldwork- (embedded in all three classes) 1 Unit
Each candidate will complete a comprehensive study of programs and research in addition to participating as a part of a mutli-disciplinary team to assess and develop an appropriate IFSP or IEP including development and implementation of strategies to meet the goals/objectives of the IFSP or IEP and progress monitoring.  Candidates will be monitored and supervised by personnel holding an Early Childhood Special Education Credential. ​
$250 - Due at time of application.**

SPED 272: Assessment & Intervention - 2 Units
This course will provide candidates with the knowledge of basic principles, processes, procedures and instruments that lead to appropriate interventions and well developed IFSPs/IEPs, and reflect an understanding of the range of appropriate assessment and evaluation approaches available for children birth through five years old.  A variety of non-biased standardized techniques, instruments, and processes will be examined, including the DRDP r and DRDP access. Four purposes of Early Childhood and Early Intervention developed assessments (screening, diagnosis, program assessment and program evaluation) will be examined as will the different types of assessments that deal with physical, cognitive, language and speech, and psychosocial development along with self-help skills.  Each candidate demonstrates an understanding of the IFSP/IEP process and the ability to participate with the family and other members of the team in the development and implementation of IFSP/IEP and the coordination of services.  Practicum supervisors observe course content in practice to ensure that a fluid connection exists between coursework and practice.
$500 - Due at least 2 weeks before first day of class.
​
SPED 273: Curriculum & Environments in Early Childhood SPED - 2 Units
This course includes curriculum and environments that focus on cognitive skills; language and literacy; motor skills; social/emotional growth; and communication skills.  Candidates work to increase their ability to create learning environments in a wide range of settings such as homes, childcare and development settings, and other community environments.  Each candidate applies a broad repertoire of evidence-based intervention strategies, adaptations, and assistive technologies that minimize the effects of the child's disability and maximize the child's learning potential.  Attention will be paid to small class settings and meeting the needs of culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse children and their families. A variety of strategies, instructional approaches and assessment procedures will be emphasized in order to ensure the candidate's ability to develop, deliver, integrate and regularly assess the child's progress.
$500 - Due at least 2 weeks before first day of class.
​
SPED 274: Early Language & Communication - 2 Units
This course provides candidates with the basic principles of increasing school preparedness for children at risk for future reading difficulties.  It will focus on communication and its relationship to early literacy development for young children with disabilities. Candidates will learn how to support early language and communicative behaviors of these children.  They will also learn strategies for helping young children benefit from literature to assist with developing their emerging literacy skills.  Candidates will be directed how instruction in phonological awareness, accompanies by training in letters and letter-sound association supports learning and development in both language and literacy.  They are taught how to ensure their literacy curriculum is balanced and comprehensive and addressing a full range of language and emergent literacy competencies.  Current research in screen and electronic media and language development will be reviewed.  The need to recognize the primary language of English learners is emphasized. 
$500 - Due at least 2 weeks before first day of class

Total program cost $2,050 for 7 Units. You may also pay $2,050 in full at time of application.   

Have questions about Added Authorization?
Email us at BTPAuthorizations@lacoe.edu

District Intern Bridge Authorization Program

Background

Currently in many TK-12 special education programs, students are assigned to classrooms based on federal disability categories in order to align with the specific disability categories authorized by the teacher’s credential. The new credential structure enables Education Specialists to continue serving students who are placed according to their disabilities, and supports the vision that districts move towards a model where students receive services based on the level of support necessary​.

Creating a bridge option between the current and new Education Specialist teaching credentials provides interested credential holders with the opportunity to obtain the expanded authorization, thereby allowing them to serve students beyond the federal disability categories to which their credential is currently limited and instead allow them to serve a broader spectrum of students as authorized by the new Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN), Extensive Support Needs (ESN), or Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) credentials. This flexibility would grant Education Specialists the opportunity to focus on the needs of students with disabilities as opposed to the limitation of placement as directed by the authorization accompanying an educator’s credential. 
​​
This webpage provides information to current Education Specialist Credential holders (Mild to Moderate Disabilities, Moderate to Severe Disabilities, Early Childhood Special Education) earned prior to July 1, 2022 interested in earning a Bridge Authorization to the new Education Specialist Credential authorization areas (Mild to Moderate Support Needs, Extensive Support Needs, Early Childhood Special Education).  

Eligibility

Possession of a current* preliminary or clear Education Specialist Credential:

• Mild to Moderate Disabilities, or
• Moderate to Severe Disabilities, or
• Early Childhood Special Education​

*Issued prior to July 1, 2022

Enrollment

Enrollment for the Fall Cohort is now open.
If you are interested in joining, register for an upcoming Information Meeting.

Application Fee:
A non-refundable application fee of $300 is required with submission of the application packet.  Application review includes verification of credential, and evaluation of transcript with additional evidence as applicable.
​
Advisement/Enrollment Appointment:
Once a candidate has met the requirements for Bridge Authorization eligibility and the application has been reviewed, the program coordinator will schedule an individual advisement meeting to enroll the candidate in an individualized course designed to meet all remaining required competencies.  Advisement and enrollment includes payment of fee ($500), orientation to the program requirements, creation of the Individual Advisement Plan (IAP), and enrollment in the individualized course.

California Classified Employee Teacher Credentialing Program (CCSETCP)

Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) is one of a group of agencies selected to offer the California Classified School Employee Teacher Credentialing Program (CCSETCP) in order to help school districts address the demand for credentialed teachers. The purpose of the grant is to attract and recruit classified school employees to participate in a program designed to support the completion of a degree and teacher preparation program  leading to a California Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or Education Specialist teaching credential and provide instructional service as fully credentialed teachers. 

The core foundation of the program is to provide financial assistance, resources, guidance, and overall support from start to finish while concurrently meeting the teacher shortage in California.

LACOE CCSETCP is not currently accepting applications. Sign up to be added to the LACOE CCSETCP Interest List.

CCSETCP FAQs

How long is the grant going to be available?
The California Classified School Employees Teacher Credentialing Program is a five year grant, extending from 2021-2022 school year through June 30, 2028.

• LACOE Round 1 has concluded.
• LACOE Round 2 has concluded.
• LACOE Round 3 has 50 spots and is currently active.
• LACOE Round 4 has 75 spots and is currently active.

Who is eligible to apply?
Those who are actively employed classified staff, part or full-time, or have been previously employed classified staff, in a Los Angeles county public school district. Applicants must either have an associate’s degree or have successfully completed two years of post-secondary education, equivalent to 60 college level credits.

I have a friend who wants to apply - are there spots available?
Yes. All original 125 spots are currently filled; however, updates in grant expenditure allowances gives us the opportunity to enroll additional participants. Furthermore, as participants graduate or leave, spots will be replaced. Applications will be collected as needed through the BTP website. 

What types of credentials does this grant cover?
​Applicants must plan to obtain a Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or Special Education (Mild/Moderate or Moderate/Severe) teaching credential.

What colleges/universities can I attend for my degree or credential?
Participants can attend any California based accredited Community College, California State University, University of California, or private not-for-profit institutions of higher education that offer a commission-approved teacher preparation program(s).

What are my responsibilities for participating in the grant?
Participants are expected to accomplish all of the following:

• Graduate from an institution of higher education with a bachelor’s degree, or
• Obtain a Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or Educational Specialist teaching credential, and,
• Complete a school year of classroom instruction for each year of financial assistance received.​

How much aid would I expect to receive while in the grant?
LACOE Grant participants receive an annual disbursement of $4,320. 

Do I have to repay the funds that were paid out on my behalf after I receive my degree or credential?
No, you are not expected to repay any of the grant funds, however by accepting the grant you are expected to complete a school year of classroom instruction for each year of financial assistance received.

Do I need to finish my credential work by the end of the grant?
No, the expectation of the grant is that you are making satisfactory progress toward your credential while you are receiving grant funds.

What can I submit for reimbursement?
School costs (such as tuition, books, transcripts, parking, and registration fees), CTC fees (such as livescan, Certificate of Clearance, Sub Permit, Credential fees), Exam fees (such as test registration and test preparation materials).
*Technology costs, classroom materials, and secondary credentials / certificate programs are not reimbursable through CCSETCP.

Current Grant Candidate Information

Click "Download File" on the right side to download a fillable PDF copy of the reimbursement form. ​Remember to save the actual form on your computer before completing the form.

If you have questions, contact Dr. Sarah Medler, Coordinator, 562-922-6587 or medler_sarah@lacoe.edu.

What Is TPSL?

The Temporary Permit for Statutory Leave (TPSL) is designed to fill positions that go beyond the 30-days (general education) or 20 days (special education) substitute constraints. An employing agency may employ an individual holding a TPSL to fill in for the teacher of record for the duration of the statutory leave (e.g. Maternity Leave, FMLA, Differential Leave, Sick Leave). 

The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) is proud to offer a hybrid platform that will meet the 45 hours of preparation required to receive an initial TPSL as well as TPSL renewals. The program is tailored to current substitute teachers or individuals being considered to cover a teacher who is out on statutory leave.

​The program is unique because it serves a dual purpose. In addition to meeting the requirement for the TPSL, the program also meets portions of the District Intern "Pre-Service" requirements for individuals that would like to make progress towards admission to LACOE's District Intern Program. 

What Makes Our Program Unique:

• Hybrid: Face-to-face and online
• Dual Purpose: Complete TPSL training and partially complete Pre-Service coursework
• Affordable: $300 per issuance

Test Preparation
Resources

The following information is provided as a reference and starting point for candidates.  This is not an exhaustive list.  While the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) site is strongly recommended, other resources are listed as potential supports selected as a starting point for you to explore. LACOE BTP does not specifically endorse any of the resources provided.

General Information about Credentialing Exams

• CTC Exams Website

FREE Resources 

• CSET Multiple Subject
• CSET Social Science
• CSET English
• CSET PE
• CSET Science
• CSET Mathematics
• RICA Video Performance Assessment Preparation Materials

Resources for a FEE ($)

• Teachers Test Prep
• 240 Tutoring
• BTPS Testing
• Study.com

Transcript Request For Pre-Service, District Intern and Added Authorization Candidates

*INDUCTION CANDIDATES PLEASE REFER TO THE INDUCTION UNIVERSITY CREDITS PAGE

ATTENTION: ​If you attended our program prior to 2015, you will need to request your transcripts from Teachers College of San Joaquin - San Joaquin County Office of Education (TCSJ/SJCOE). Click here to order.  

If you attended both before and after 2014, you will need to request transcripts from both offices.

**Please complete the form above accurately to avoid any delays in processing.

Your submission of this form authorizes the release of your academic records. Please contact btpccpayments@lacoe.edu if you have any questions. ​

Payment Instructions

Each transcript is $15 per copy. (Non-refundable)

Requesting a transcript involves the following steps:

1. Completing the Transcript Request Form linked below
2. Ensuring you are enrolled into BTP’s AllPaid credit card system
3. Submitting payment for the transcript(s) 

LACOE BTP only accepts card payments using AllPaid, a 3rd party payment processing service. If this is your first time making a credit/debit payment through AllPaid, you must first be registered for the online payment platform. Please allow  24-48 hours after completing the Transcript Request Form (linked below) to receive an enrollment email from Beginning Teacher Programs- <webmaster@lacoe.edu> prompting you to login and set up your account.

​Failure to pay correct amount will cause delays.

Processing Information

Transcripts are processed within 10 business days of submission of the Transcript Request Form.
​
​If you wish to expedite this process, you can forward the email confirmation of payment to:​ valle_karen@lacoe.edu

Additional Services FAQs

What added authorizations does Beginning Teacher Programs offer?​
LACOE BTP offers the Early Childhood Special Education Added Authorization & the Autism Authorization. Click on the Additional Services tab on the top of the screen for more information. 

​What is the difference between Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Accelerated Intern and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Added Authorization?
ECSE Accelerated Intern is an 18 month program that allows you to teach in the authorized area immediately. Please click here for the Accelerated Intern program. Note: the annual enrollment deadline is August 30.
ECSE Added Authorization is a 12 month program that allows you to teach in the authorized area upon completion of the program.

Do I have to have a valid credential in order to take Early Childhood Education Added Authorization or the Autism Authorization classes?
Yes. At program completion, you will receive and authorization that is added to a current credential. Therefore, an existing credential is required in order to enroll.

​If I have a General Education credential can I earn the Autism Added Authorization?
No. The AASE program is a subset of the full preliminary teacher preparation program and are designed to allow teachers to earn an additional authorization to supplement the knowledge and skills gained in their preliminary teacher preparation program. You most possess a valid special education teaching credential.​

​Do you offer test preparation for the CBEST?
Yes. Click here for more information. ​

​Do you offer test preparation for the CSET Single Subject exam?
No. LACOE BTP currently only offers CSET preparation for the multiple subjects exam. ​

​Do you offer test preparation for the California Teacher of English Learners Exam (CTEL)?
​No. LACOE BTP does not currently offer test preparation for the CTEL. Contact the Multilingual Academic Support Unit for more information. Click here to access their website.

How long are LACOE BTP Transcripts valid?
To enroll in a LACOE BTP program, coursework from a transcript will be accepted for the prior 5 years.

How can I get my transcripts from another university evaluated?​
Yes, though there may be fees involved. Please contact the main office (562) 803-8469 for more information.