Online Graduate Certificate in Early Intervention Studies
Program Highlights
15 credit hours | In-state tuition: $490/credit hour | Out-of-state tuition: $575/credit hour
- Available in an easily accessible 100% online format to students who are considering careers in early intervention services
- First program of its kind in Texas and one of the few that emphasizes culturally responsive practices
- Offers students direct engagement with children who have disabilities and their families and/or collaboration with other counseling professionals
- May function as a stand-alone certificate for educators to supplement the existing master's degree in Special Education or lead to a new master’s degree in Early Intervention Studies
Gain Employment in a High-Demand Area
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of children enrolled in preschool and nursery programs in the United States leading to the development and improvement of educational programs both locally and nationally. The need for highly qualified early intervention educators and agency professionals is accompanied by impressive growth in employment opportunities within the field. Along with a wide variety of top-level administrative, counseling, and teaching positions available, there are numerous high-paying jobs in the areas of educational research and development within organizations, foundations, governmental agencies, colleges, and universities.
Our online graduate certificate in early childhood intervention meets Texas Education Agency (TEA), NAEYC, and DEC and CEC guidelines.
Graduates of the program
- Gain awareness of the issues in the field of early intervention and early intervention (special) education and the impacts of those issues on students with diverse cultural backgrounds and their families.
- Understand the impact of cultural and linguistic diversity on children's lives and their learning.
- Develop critical thinking ability as they deconstruct and reconstruct the field of special education as a profession and a practice.
- Learn how to discuss and debate the different sides of issues facing learners with diverse needs through online discussions.
- Acquire background on current issues related to the field of early intervention and early intervention special education through research.
Students should note that the program is not intended to lead to professional licensure in their state.
Careers available to students after graduation fall into the following broad categories:
- Serving disabled children and their families directly (teachers, health care specialists, family therapists, extension agents)
- Organizing services for disabled children and their families (licensing specialists, college teachers)
- Providing information to professionals who work with disabled children and families (researchers, authors/editors)
- Providing goods and services affecting disabled children and their families to the general public (sales representatives, legislators, consumer advocates)
Work With Nationally Recognized Faculty
Faculty are nationally recognized and have expertise in early intervention policy, pedagogy, curriculum, special education, school, and parent and family engagement. Professors are available directly to students via phone or Blackboard collaboration and are quick to respond to student inquiries. Teaching techniques used include personalized instruction, small group activities, and a location for questions addressed regularly. Our faculty bring a culturally responsive global perspective into the classroom and have a wealth of experience in serving first generation college students.
Course Overview
The certificate consists of five courses based on Texas state standards as well as the nationally recognized early intervention principles out of the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). The following courses, along with a strong field-based component, are offered online.
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Current topics in Early Intervention (B-8) for Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Young Children & Families |
Conduct an in-depth exploration of current topics related to culturally and linguistically diverse young children birth through 8 who have or are at risk for developmental delays or disabilities. Explore nationally recognized issues pertaining to leadership, teaming and collaboration, assessment, transition, culturally responsive practices, and instruction and how these issues are reflected in local settings that serve young children and their families. |
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Behavior Intervention for Young Children (B-8) |
Study 1) nurturing relationships and responsive caregiving as the foundation for children’s development, 2) creating high quality environments as the context of the development of those relationships, 3) targeted strategies and supports for promoting social emotional development and growth, and 4) individualized interventions that provide treatment to young children B-8 with persistent behavioral challenges. |
| Early Intervention Strategies for Special Populations: B-8 |
Focus on intervention techniques and strategies for children from birth to eight years of age who have disabilities or who are at risk of having developmental delays. Study evidence-based strategies, ecological and family approaches, culturally and linguistically responsive practices. Address assessment and interventions developed to support the development and learning of young children B-8 in multiple settings. |
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Atypical Childhood Development (B-8) |
Examine typical and atypical child development and information on specific developmental disabilities. Analyze specific developmental domains such as language, motor, social, concept development, and emergent literacy. Learn how to plan and develop individualized plans to best meet the needs of the child, family and caregivers. |
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Research and Application for Early Intervention: B-8 Capstone |
Produce a scholarly product in the form of an Early Intervention Professional Digital Portfolio that reflects the integrations of your knowledge, skills, and experiences in the field. Throughout the course, communicate regularly with faculty to track progress and discuss the project. (This course serves as the culminating experience for students pursuing the Early Intervention Certificate.) |
