Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization Program (APE Brochure)

 The Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization (APEAA) program 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. For specific information about applying, see the Admission Guide.

Adapted Physical Education Courses (total of 24 units)

Undergraduate Phase
KINS 385 Adapted Physical Education (3)
KINS 475 Elementary School Physical Education (3)
KINS 484 Motor Development/Learning (3)
REC 302 Inclusive Recreation (3)

Credential Year Phase
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 Handbook includes additional information about the program. The application for the program is available here.

 Project Equip

 In 2019, the Kinesiology and Recreation Administration Department and Education Department at Cal Poly Humboldt was awarded a 1.25 million dollar federally funded interdisciplinary grant by the Office of Special Education Programs. This grant is designed to provide full financial support for students who have graduated with a Bachelor’s degree and are interested in working towards an teaching credential and master’s degree in Kinesiology or Education. This is an interdisciplinary program that requires students to complete an education specialist credential (special education) in the 5th year and complete course work for the adapted physical education added authorization (APEAA), as well as a master’s degree in the 6th year.

Project Equip will graduate 40 highly qualified teachers over a 5-year span. Students who are interested in applying for this program should contact Dr. Jill Anderson (jp319@humboldt.edu) or Dr. Chris Hopper (cah3@humboldt.edu) for more information. Salaries for Special educators vary ( between 48-76 thousand), based city and number of years, but the average salary in California is 62,229 (https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/special-education-teacher-salary/ca)

A Service Obligation is Required

 If you are accepted into the program and receive funding, you will be required to work with students with disabilities in at least 50% of the classes you teach in the public schools. This requirement is based on the number of years funded (2 years funded, 4 years of service required). The National Center on Service Obligations (NCSO) is responsible for tracking the service obligations of scholars/obliges funded by our grant.  You will also be required to update NCSO annually with your contact and employment information. Visit https://pdp.ed.gov/OSEP/Institution for complete information about the service obligation process.

Academic Year and Summer Programs

Students may apply for funding for the academic year program or the summer program of the program. Academic year grant recipients receive funding for a maximum of six semesters, for stipend awards, books, and travel to conferences.