KEEP Program for FECCC Classified Workers

The KEEP program supports classified employees within the Far East Contra Costa Consortium (FECCC) to obtain their teaching credential in Special Education (SPED). The program also provides an avenue to complete a BA degree plus SPED credential attainment. The grant funds provide a 22% discount on tuition plus a $4,000 annual stipend for qualified candidates.

There are two pathways, depending on the previous educational attainment of the candidate:

1. For candidates who have earned a bachelor’s degree, the credential pathway is the Mild-to-Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) Education Specialist Teaching Credential.
2. For candidates who have completed either an associate’s degree or two years of higher education, the degree completion plus credential pathway is the Justice, Community and Leadership (JCL) BA with integrated Education Specialist Credential. 

Currently, the FECCC program has 3 cohorts. Depending on which cohort you are assigned, determines your start date:

• Cohort 1 (post-baccalaureate candidates) pursuing their SPED credential will start in Spring 2026, completing their credential in summer 2027.
• Cohort 2 (post-baccalaureate candidates pursuing their SPED credential will start in Spring 2027, completing their credential in Summer 2028
  • Cohorts 1 and 2 will enroll in the East County/SMC SPED Program of Study.
• Cohort 3 (BA completers plus SPED credential) will start the program in Winter 2026 (January Term), completing their BA and credential in Summer 2028.
  • Cohort 3 will enroll in the JCL Education SPED FECC Degree Completion Program of Study.

• Cohort 1 (25 post-baccalaureate candidates)
• Cohort 2 (25 post-baccalaureate candidates)
• Cohort 3 (10 BA completers plus SPED credential) 

Admission Requirements:

• Three current letters of recommendation
  (from professionals who can evaluate your potential to be a teacher)
• Official baccalaureate degree transcripts in any major from a regionally
  accredited institution of higher education, college or university
• Resume
• Admissions Personal Statement
• Results of a tuberculin test (within last two years)
• Official documentation provided or proof of registration for California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET)
• Certificate of Clearance issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) includes fingerprinting

Spring Start Deadlines:

• Priority Deadline: October 1st
• Final Deadline: November 1st

The FECCC program is a discounted program. This number reflects only eligible candidates tuition rate.

KEEP Program tuition is $877.50 per unit 

Education Specialist (SPED): 37 units x  $877.50  = $32,467.50* 

Yes. All FECCC students are eligible to opt in to the MA in Teaching Program. 

The MA in Teaching is not part of the FECCC program. Interested candidates would complete an additional 12 units of graduate level work as traditional Saint Mary's graduate students. MA in Teaching classes are held online.