An individual who possesses a full Preliminary or Clear Mild/Moderate, Moderate/Severe, or Early Childhood Education Specialist Credential that includes autism preparation, or their equivalent, may apply for an Education Specialist Bridge Authorization. The Bridge Authorization is an added authorization that is an option for special education credential holders whose credential was issued prior to the new standards and is intended to result in these credential holders having  authorizations that are equivalent in scope to the new Early Childhood Special Education (authorization code ECES), Mild to Moderate Support Needs (authorization code MMSN), and Extensive Support Needs (authorization code ESN) authorizations. Educators who hold a credential authorizing special education instruction that was issued under older standards and does not include the autism preparation must also hold the added authorization in autism spectrum disorders to be considered equivalent. 

• Possession of the appropriate prerequisite authorization aligned with the appropriate bridge authorization. 

  • For MMSN, must hold an Education Specialist credential authorized in Mild/Moderate Disabilities or its equivalent.

  • For ESN, must hold an Education Specialist credential authorized in Moderate/Severe Disabilities or its equivalent.

  • For ECSE, must hold an Education Specialist credential authorized in Early Childhood Special Education or its equivalent.

• Completion of the additional content identified in the newly adopted Teaching Performance Expectations that represent the content not covered during the initial preparation. Additional content may be verified or completed by one of the following options:

  • Completion of coursework

  • Completion of professional development

  • Confirmation of prior knowledge and experience via observational data, a portfolio submission, video demonstration, a performance assessment, or another means to show demonstrated competence approved by the employing LEA. 

To apply for the Bridge Authorization, submit the following:

• Completed CL-904 

• Completed 41-4

• Application processing fee