Adapted Physical Education Specialist Credential

An adapted physical education instructor works with a student.

For more information: (626) 815-6176

The Adapted Physical Education Specialist Credential, formerly the Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization, authorizes teachers to provide adapted physical education services to students ranging in age from 3 through 21 years who have a developmental delay and/or any disability within the 13 eligibility categories named in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The program equips teachers to conduct comprehensive assessments of students, prepare legally defensible assessment reports, write specific and measurable individualized education program (IEP) goals, and propose services from a wide range of service delivery options, in order to meet the individual needs of students in their least restrictive environment. This 15-unit program includes 12 units of core coursework and 3 units of fieldwork in adapted physical education.

Per the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the Adapted Physical Education Specialist Credential (APESC) may be added to a Single Subject Credential in Physical Education, a Multiple Subject Credential, or an Education Specialist Credential. Individuals holding a Multiple Subject Credential or an Education Specialist Credential may meet the physical education subject-matter competence requirement in one of two ways:

  • (Acceptable Option) Providing evidence of passing all sections of the CTC-approved California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) in Physical Education prior to admission to the APESC program; or

  • (Recommended Option) Completing 12 units of upper-division and/or graduate coursework in motor development, kinesiology, and other relevant physical education topics, as determined and approved by the APESC program coordinator or director. This coursework must be completed as a prerequisite to admission to the APESC program. All coursework is subject to approval by the program coordinator or director. Courses must be passed with a grade of B or better.

The following courses are available to meet this prerequisite:

KIN 551Curriculum Theory and Design in Physical Education3
KIN 596Inclusive Physical Education3
KIN 597Structural Kinesiology3
KIN 598Motor Learning, Development, and Control3

Required Courses for the Adapted Physical Education Specialist Credential

Adapted physical education students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better, and may not earn lower than a 2.7 (B-) in any KIN core or content course. Students who earn below a 2.7 (B-) in a KIN core or content course must retake the course and achieve the minimum GPA requirement.

Core Courses
KIN 600Physical Education Teaching Methods for Individuals with Mild to Moderate Disabilities3
KIN 602Physical Education Teaching Methods for Individuals with Severe to Profound Disabilities3
KIN 604Motor Assessment for Students Living with Disabilities3
KIN 605Management of Adapted Physical Education Programs3
Fieldwork (all courses required) 1
KIN 606AField Experience in Adapted Physical Education1
KIN 606BField Experience in Adapted Physical Education2
Total Units15
1

KIN 606A and KIN 606B must be completed consecutively after all other adapted physical education coursework is fulfilled.