Candidate participates in a supervised Early Start and district special education preschool program. Increasing responsibility as an early interventionist or teacher is expected. Experiences most include supervised field experience in both home-based and center/classroom-based settings. Any candidate who cannot document substantial experience in a typical early intervention program will also need to participate in at least one program that is considered to be a natural environment. A candidate must clearly demonstrate application of teaching, assessment, collaboration and planning skills aligned with the Council for Exceptional Children Standards for Beginning Teachers. Competency must be demonstrated in relation to referral, assessment, IEP/ITP/BIP process, instruction, intervention, intervention, program, instructional and materials modification, consultation, coteaching, teacher inservice, behavior planning, and intervention. This is a full day semester-long commitment. Candidates must attend mandatory seminar classes related to practicum experience and the development of their state required Individual Induction Plan each and every semester they are enrolled in a Special Education Practicum course.

*Traditional candidates enroll in a 6-unit practicum for their primary credential. Candidates completing a second education specialist credential enroll in a 3-unit practicum. Interns must enroll in at least 1-unit of practicum every semester under approved USD/District Intern contract and must complete a minimum of 6-units.

Prerequisite: A candidates must file the formal Petition to Enroll in Special Education Form and submit and successfully pass the Midpoint Portfolio Review by the special education faculty the Fall or Spring semester prior to the practicum. Policies and procedures are outlined in the Graduate Candidate Manual and the filing date will be announced to all candidates via their official USD E-mail Address. Contact your Special Education Program Advisor and/or the Field Placement Coordinator during the first month of the Fall or Spring term in which you are requesting practicum approval for details.

Fieldwork fee: $200