Adding Mild-Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) or Extensive Support Needs (ESN) to an existing Education Specialist Credential

Adding Mild-Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) or Extensive Support Needs (ESN) to an Education Specialist Credential

This option is only available for educators who have already “bridged” to the updated credential and want to add either the MMSN or ESN.
This program is for educators who hold an Education Specialist credential and want to add a new Special Education Specialty Area.

Applicants need to provide proof of employment from their employer, verifying that they are teaching in a setting that requires the addition of either the MMSN or ESN specialty area. Interested individuals must submit an application for the IMPACT Intern Program and, upon acceptance, will work under a University Intern Credential and complete in-person coursework one to three evenings per week.

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  • Hold one of the below BRIDGED Education Specialist Credential(s):

      • Mild-Moderate Disabilities bridged to MMSN (Mild-Moderate Support Needs)
      • Moderate-Severe Disabilities bridged to ESN (Extensive Support Needs)
      • Early Childhood Special Education (Birth-PK) bridged to Early Childhood Special Education (Birth-K)
  • Verification of Teaching Employment within the IMPACT Program service area in the specialty area that you are pursuing

Applicants must have a Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN), Extensive Support Needs (ESN), or Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Credential (authorization up through Kindergarten) to apply. 

If you have a Mild/Moderate, Moderate/Severe, or Early Childhood Special Education (authorizing up through PK), you must bridge the gap between your old special education credentials and the new special education credentials. If you need to complete a bridge program, below are some online programs (you can also check with your SELPA department).

TCSJ is not endorsing any of the programs, simply providing resources:

CSU, Fullerton Bridge Program:
  • ECSE
  • Fully Asynchronous
  • Format: Online, synchronous (one course, 3 units)
  • Length: Two-three months
  • Cost: $1,098
Los Angeles COE Bridge Program:
  • MMSN, ESN, & ECSE
  • Fully Asynchronous
  • Format: Fully Asynchronous, Online Modules
  • Length: 6 weeks
  • Cost: $150 (app fee) + $500 (program fee)
Riverside COE Bridge Program:
  • MMSN & ESN
  • Fully Asynchronous
  • Format: Fully Asynchronous Online Modules
  • Length: Self-Paced (40-60 hours)
  • Cost: $425
San Diego COE Bridge Program:
  • MMSN, ESN, & ECSE
  • Fully Asynchronous
  • Format: Fully Asynchronous, Online Modules with office hours
  • Length: 6 weeks
  • Cost: $800
Santa Clara COE Bridge Program:
  • MMSN, ESN, & ECSE
  • Fully Asynchronous
  • Format: Fully Asynchronous, Online Modules
  • Length: Unknown
  • Cost: $75 (app fee) + Unknown Program fee

Students adding a SPED Specialty Area to their bridged SPED credential are enrolled in the IMPACT Intern Program and complete coursework 1-3 evenings per week over two years. The specific courses you will take will be determined after evaluating your credentials and reviewing the transcripts from your bridge program.

IMPACT students are provided a support supervisor (retired, veteran teacher) who supports them over the two years. On average, supervisors come out to the classroom six times per semester.

Applicants must apply to the IMPACT Intern Program to add the specialty area. The application deadline to begin Fall 2024 is August 20.

  1. Visit https://apply.teacherscollegesj.edu/ and create an account, if you do not already have one.

  2. Once your account has been created, login and click the button “Create New Application.”

  3. When create your application, make sure to select the following Enrollment Type: “Teaching Credential – IMPACT Intern Program” and either “Extensive Support Needs” or “Mild to Moderate Support Needs” as the Program Type

  4. Once the application is created, complete all tabs within your application, and select “Yes” when you get to the tab labeled “Adding ESN or MMSN” and complete the page.

  5. Once the application is complete, pay the $200 application fee.