Project EXCELL:
Empowering EXceptional Children through Early Language and Literacy
Are you passionate about supporting TK-third grade children in language and literacy?
Are you interested in deepening your knowledge of developmentally appropriate and
evidence-based language and literacy instruction for children in this grade band?
Read on to learn more about Project EXCELL to determine if this program is right for
you.
Project EXCELL prepares teacher candidates with a Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) Ed Specialist Credential along with the Added Authorization in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE-AA), and a literacy focused MA in special education in 4 semesters. The grant covers your tuition, a computer stipend, professional development, dedicated mentorship, and much more.
In addition to the preparation program, Project EXCELL Scholars will receive additional training and support related to implementing high quality, developmentally appropriate literacy instruction. This will include regular cohort meetings which will include Speaker Series events and mini-PD sessions, along with a paid summer practicum providing structured literacy instruction for young children as part of Camp EXCELL.
We are recruiting now for the first cohort who will start in Spring 2027. Please see flyer for more information. Future cohorts will start in Spring 2028 and Spring 2029.
You can also contact Dr. Andrea Golloher or Dr. Nancy McIntyre or directly for more information.
Explore
- Overview
- Steps to Apply
- Next Info Session Friday, October 23, 4:00pm; Register via Zoom
Overview
- Complete Mild/Moderate Support Needs Education Specialist Credential program, starting in Spring semester
- Follow link for information about our Education Specialist Credentials and Added Authorizations
- Earn your Masters by completing a literacy-focused action research project
- Complete Early Childhood Special Education Added Authorization in the Fall following Mild/Moderate Support Needs Credential
- Get paired with mentor teacher early and engage with them during the paid summer literacy practicum (Camp EXCELL) in first summer
- Participate in ongoing enriched advisement and professional development for the life of the program
- Tuition and fees fully covered by grant funds
- Additional funding available to purchase a laptop, books, and other educational expenses
- Stipend provided so participants can attend one regional conference during the program
Note: Project EXCELL Scholars have a 4-year service obligation to provide special education, related services, or early intervention services to children with disabilities in a school covered by IDEA in the U.S.
Steps to Apply
- Complete the Cal State Apply Application by November 1, 2026. Select the Spring 2027 term. Then select graduate as the degree goal to apply to the MA plus credential program, then select your credential: MMSN.
- Register to attend the optional info session on October 23, 2026 at 4:00 pm.
- Complete the brief Project EXCELL supplemental application.
- You have until November 20, 2026 to complete the Project EXCELL supplemental application and to provide all additional documentation (e.g., transcripts, letters of recommendation, pre-professional hours, fingerprint clearance).
- Applicants will be contacted after November 20, 2026 to set up a brief interview,
with final decisions going out in early December 2026.
This project is funded under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, #H325K260173. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
