California Colleges with APE Added Authorization Programs
There is a big problem in California right now: there are just not enough Adapted Physical Education Specialists!
Today’s blog is a list of colleges in California which offer Adapted Physical Education Specialist added authorizations. Food for thought for those General Physical Education Teachers out there, or maybe you are ready to do a career pivot? Either way, now is the time to explore your options in a very rewarding career.
The 21-unit Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization at Azusa Pacific University enables the candidate to teach students ranging from preschool through adult school, conduct assessments, and report findings through the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process. This secondary authorization program is designed for educators who possess a Single or Multiple Subject Teaching Credential in Physical Education or an Education Specialist Credential. The candidate with an Education Specialist Credential must complete 12 upper-division semester units, including coursework in kinesiology and motor development, prior to entering the program.
For candidates with a Multiple or Single Subject Physical Education Credential, the specialized program offers enhanced marketability and opportunities for career advancement. Upon completion, these candidates who earn an Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization are equipped to work in three capacities as general physical education teachers, dedicated adapted PE teachers, and in hybrid positions teaching both general and adapted physical education.
Teachers with an Education Specialist Credential and the added authorization are able to teach strictly as adapted physical education instructors.
Offerings at Cal Poly Pomona:
Adapted Physical Education (Single Subject Credential):
This track allows the student to receive two credentials at the same time. The primary credential will be in physical education with an emphasis in adapted. These two credentials together allow students to teach physical education in California to all students (including those with disabilities) from preschool to high school.
Undergraduate Program - APE and Single Subject PE:
The adapted physical education specialization allows students to meet the requirements for the specialist credential in adapted physical education at the same time that they are fulfilling the requirements for the single subject credential in physical education. The specialist credential in adapted physical education qualifies one to teach physical education to children of all ability levels in all grades (K-12). This program combines course work with practical experience obtained in Cal Poly's Motor Development Clinic (MDC). The MDC not only provides adapted physical education programs for children with a variety of special needs from the surrounding community, but also provides students in this specialization with an excellent opportunity to obtain a wealth of hands-on experience in dealing with children with a wide variety of physical and mental difficulties. Cal Poly's program for preparing adapted physical education teachers is recognized as the leader in the state in both quality of the program and quantity of the graduates.
Undergraduate Program Other Than Physical Education:
Adapted Physical Education Specialist Credential is an add-on credential, not a stand-alone. Therefore, the following basic credentials are acceptable by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing for the APE credential:
Single subject in Physical Education
Standard secondary with a major or minor in Physical Education
Standard elementary with an academic major or a major or minor in Physical Education
California State University, Chico has been providing quality coursework and community programs in the area of adapted physical activity for over 30 years.
• Master of Arts in Kinesiology - Course of Study in APA
• Adapted Physical Education Authorization
• Adapted Physical Education Authorization Summer Program *for those with P.E. Certification
• Minor in Adapted Physical Activity
The CSU, Chico Adapted Physical Education Program is pleased to announce the availability of grant funding to help students in the area of adapted physical education. Students pursuing an APE Authorization or a Master’s degree in Adapted Physical Activity may apply for the program. Learn more about the APE TRACK GRANT.
CSU Chico, Community & Service Programs
Ability First Sports Camp
The Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization (APEAA) program at Humboldt State University prepares physical education teachers to work collaboratively and effectively in educational settings with preschool and school-aged children and youth with disabilities. The program is designed to prepare specialists in adapted physical education who can deliver physical education services to the diverse population of students with disabilities in California.
Undergraduate students who are completing a Bachelor of Science program in Kinesiology with an option in teaching physical education are also able to enroll in specific courses that lead to the APEAA.
The program is designed to permit teachers who are employed in the public schools of California to complete the program of study. Courses are offered in late afternoon, evenings, weekends, and summer session as appropriate to allow candidates who maybe teaching fulltime to enroll.
Adapted Physical Education Courses (total of 24 units)
• KINS 385 Adapted Physical Education (3)
• KINS 475 Elementary School Physical Education (3)
• KINS 484 Motor Development/Learning (3)
• REC 302 Recreation for Special Groups (3)
• KINS 535 Motor Assessment (2 semester units)
• KINS 577 Adapted Physical Education Programs (4 semester units)
• KINS 578 Adapted Aquatics (2 semester units)
• KINS 695 Field Experience: Student Teaching in Adapted Physical Education (4 semester units)
Required GPA: 3.0 average in all courses leading to the APEAA
The APE program handbook includes additional information about the program.
Adapted Physical Education Grant Program
The HSU Adapted Physical Education Program is pleased to announce the availability of grant funding to assist students to gain certification in the area of adapted physical education. The APE grant is a federal grant to prepare students to work with children with disabilities in the field of adapted physical education. Students pursuing an APE Added Authorization and/or a Master’s degree may apply for the program. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, the program is aimed at increasing the supply of qualified personnel in the field of special education. This program awards competitive grants to Institutions of Higher Education to support scholars receiving training to provide special education and related services to children and youth with disabilities. Scholars who receive funding agree to work in the field of special education or related services for two years for each year of support they receive. HSU is one of the few APE programs in the country to have received this award.
Academic Year and Summer Programs
Students may apply for funding for the academic year program or the summer program of the APE Grant. Academic year grant recipients receive funding for a maximum of four semesters, for stipend awards, books, and travel to conferences.
A Service Obligation is Required
If you are accepted into the APE Grant program and receive funding, you will be required to work in the field of special education or related services for two years for each year you have received funding. The National Center on Service Obligations (NCSO) is responsible for tracking the service obligations of scholars/obligees funded by our grant. You will also be required to update NCSO annually with your contact and employment information. Visit https://serviceobligations.ed.gov/ for complete information about the service obligation process.
School of Kinesiology and Nutritional Science - PACE --Adapted Physical Education Specialist Credential Program at California State University, Los Angeles:
The program leading to the Adapted Physical Education meets the subject matter requirements and entitles the holder to teach adapted physical education in California to individuals between the ages of 3 and 21 years who have exceptional needs. The 28-unit program is based upon a basic authorization to teach physical education. Candidates must hold (or concurrently complete) a Single Subject credential in Physical Education, a Multiple Subject credential, or an equivalent authorization. They also must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average for all courses required in the program, complete directed teaching, and receive School recommendation.
Required Courses (28 units)
•KIN 425 - Dimensions of Kinesiology for Individuals with Disabilities (4)
•KIN 428 - Psychomotor Assessment for Individuals With Disabilities (3)
•KIN 431 - Low-Incidence Disabilities: Physical Activity Programming and Instruction (3)
•KIN 433 - High-Incidence Disabilities: Physical Activity Programming and Instruction (3)
•KIN 434 - Organizational Strategies for Adapted Physical Education (4)
•KIN 435 - Physical Disabilities and Other Health Impairments: Physical Activity Programming and Instruction (3)
•KIN 480A - Educational Field Experiences in Adapted Physical Education (1)
•KIN 480B - Clinical Field Experiences in Adapted Physical Education (1) repeat for 3 units
•KIN 536 - Seminar: Issues in Adapted Physical Education (4)
The Master's Program in Adapted Physical Activity at California State University, Northridge prepares future health & fitness professionals who can make significant impact on the quality of life of people dealing with special needs, such as disabilities, chronic medical conditions, post-operation recovery, and aging-related health issues. Knowledge and techniques acquired in the program lead students to successfully develop, implement and evaluate adapted physical activity programs for individuals with various special needs. Students also learn how to conduct scientific research and apply research outcomes to providing evidence-based interventions. All courses and practicum are offered at the internationally recognized adapted exercise center, the Center of Achievement through Adapted Physical Activity. The Center has been providing outstanding adapted fitness programs for people with disabilities for over 40 years, as well as training many kinesiology students and health professionals.
Offerings at California State University, San Bernardino:
Admission to the CSUSB Teacher Preparation Program in the Department of Kinesiology
Currently hold a valid Credential for the Single Subject Teaching Credential in Physical Education.
Currently hold a valid Multiple Subject, Standard Secondary with a major or minor in PE, Standard Elementary with an academic major or minor in PE, Standard Early Childhood, Special Secondary in PE, General Secondary, General Junior High School, General Elementary, or General Kindergarten-Primary Credential.
Currently hold a valid Educational Specialist Instruction, Standard Special Education, Ryan Specialist Instruction, or Special Education Services Credential with a Special Class Authorization
** Individuals holding these prerequisite credentials may need additional Kinesiology course work.
*** Individuals holding these prerequisite credentials are required to complete physical education subject matter competency classes.
Note: Options 3 and 4 Candidates must meet with the APE coordinator discuss about their physical education subject matter competency requirements.
The program at DeAnza College is designed to provide opportunities to obtain the benefits of improved physical fitness to people with disabilities, where participation in a regular Physical Education setting would be inadvisable or impossible.
Within the context of a student's disability and with the appropriate accommodations, the student will be able to demonstrate that his/her physical and psycho-social well-being has been positively affected through their full and effective participation in the Adapted Physical Education program.
The Adapted Physical Education (APE) Added Authorization program at Fresno Pacific University prepares teachers to work within a school setting and engage children and adolescents in meaningful and beneficial physical exercise. Candidates participate in a comprehensive program that prepares them to identify motor needs and the necessary supports to engage students in meaningful physical exercise. Candidate’s complete courses addressing the characteristics and needs of students served in the APE setting; roles, responsibilities, and legal considerations for serving students with special needs; instructional design for APE settings; motor behavior for APE settings; and scientific principles of motor behavior. Candidates participate in a culminating practicum experience to receive guided support toward implementation of course principles and to participate in a formal evaluation of competencies.
Applicants must hold a valid Ryan Specialist Credential in CH, LH, PH, SH or VH or hold a valid Preliminary or Level 1 credential in ECSE, D/HOH, M/M, M/S, PHI, or VI or a Multiple Subjects Credential or a Single Subjects Credential in Physical Education.
At Point Loma Nazarene University, we are here for the same reasons you are: we truly believe in the power of education, and we care deeply about individuals—including you. Like you, we believe that every student, no matter their challenges or special needs, has value and promise.
When you earn one or more of our added authorizations or certificates, you will challenge yourself to be more effective in serving students with special needs. The Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization can be taken on its own or as a part of Master of Arts in Special Education
Everyone you encounter here will share your goal of better serving your students, from your admissions counselor to your professors. Rest assured, PLNU’s School of Education will take a personal interest in you and care about your concerns, experience, beliefs, and goals.
Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization (APAAA) from San Francisco State University offers the candidate to be able to teach students ranging from pre-K to adults an individualized program of developmental activities, exercises, games, rhythms, and sport designed to meet the unique physical education needs of individuals with disabilities. This program is designed for educators who possess a Single or Multiple Subject Teaching Credential in Physical Education or an Education Specialist Credential. The candidate with an Education Specialist Credential must complete 12 upper-division semester units, including coursework in kinesiology and motor development OR must be approved in all 3 levels of CSET (California Subject Examination for Teachers) single subject in Physical Education as pre-requisite to enter APA AA program.
We hope you found some value in this post. Are you ready to jump-start your career all while improving the lives of students with special needs? What are you waiting for? Pick a school to attend and get going on the application process. Please contact us if you have any questions! Good luck!
