New in 2025, the Early Childhood Special Education pathway is an alternative licensure option that allows you to earn while you learn. This pathway is available in addition to traditional routes like completing a bachelor’s degree in education or a master’s-level teacher preparation program.
It’s designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in any field and want to teach. Through this pathway, you can be hired as the teacher of record in a specific content area, enroll in an alternative preparation program, apply for an alternative teaching credential, and work as a classroom teacher while completing the program.