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Early Intervention (EI) Certificate Program: Natural Environments by Teaming 2.0 (Project NExT 2.0)

Are you interested in working with families and their young children with disabilities?

The Early Childhood Special Education program at С»ÆƬÊÓƵ has received federal funds to prepare individuals at the graduate level to work with families of infants and toddlers with disabilities in Early Intervention. Professionals can train to become Developmental Specialists, highly prepared to work in Early Intervention settings (home and community contexts). This certificate program is approved for the Ohio Early Intervention Developmental Specialist Credential. 

The Early Intervention Program has been identified as a high-need area — full scholarships are available for this full-time, transdisciplinary certificate! 

Program Information

Program Activities
  • Graduate-level, research-based courses in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education in a "hybrid" format (combination of on-campus participation and online participation through video-conferencing)
  • 125-hour internship in early intervention contexts each semester (fall, spring, summer)
  • Ongoing coaching and video-based supervision
  • Research project presentation at university research symposiums and other forums
Time Commitment - Scholarship

The scholarship requires full-time commitment* for a total of 24 credit hours over three semesters. The internship will require 125 supervised field hours per semester. Additional technology training sessions (offered at С»ÆƬÊÓƵ) will also be required for students to maximize available technology tools for successful graduate work.

*Federal grant funding (scholarship through OSEP) requires a full-time commitment. Graduate assistantships may also be available for students who wish to complete the program full-time through university funding. A part-time plan of study is an additional option for those enrolling through personal funds or other sources of financial aid.

Support for Full-Time Scholars
  • Full tuition support for one calendar year (fall, spring, and summer semesters)
  • Stipend, including the summer months
  • iPad
Program Outcomes

The training opportunity is a one-year program designed to prepare future Early Intervention practitioners to:

  • Provide developmentally appropriate, research-based strategies for infants and toddlers with delays or disabilities
  • Provide empowering and capacity-building support to families through coaching interactions
  • Team effectively with professionals from related disciplines
  • Implement, disseminate, and advocate for evidence-based practices in Early Intervention

Service Obligation

A two-year service obligation (employed position involving direct services to infants and toddlers with disabilities) is required for federally-funded students after completion of the program.