Early Intervention Certificate

The Department of Special Education and the early childhood special education program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has a certificate of specialization in early intervention for undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree-seeking students.  

Value

The certificate provides prospective or current early intervention providers with specialized knowledge critical for supporting children and families in Part C early intervention. While the certificate does not directly result in an early intervention credential, completed of all five courses fulfills the Illinois Provider Connections initial credential Core Knowledge requirements and is approved for continuing credit for current providers in Illinois. See Provider Connections' Core Knowledge Course Search website for more information.

This certificate is ideal for: 

• Current early intervention providers of any discipline
• Undergraduate or graduate students of any discipline considering a career in early intervention 
• Individuals interested in learning more about early intervention

Courses

This certificate includes 3-5 courses that are offered completely online (synchronously). They can be taken in three semesters or spread out over time. They are taught by faculty with experience and expertise in early childhood special education and early intervention. The courses are:

• SPED 465: Curriculum and Methods in Early Childhood Special Education (3 credits; summer; optional)
• SPED 414: Assessment in Early Childhood Special Education (3 credits; fall part of term A; optional)
• SPED 501: Child Development B to 3 (2 credits; fall part of term B; required)
• SPED 503: Family-Centered Practices in Early Intervention (2 credits; spring part of term A; required)
• SPED 507: Collaboration and Teaming in Early Intervention (2 credits; spring part of term B; required)

More information on the courses can be found in the course catalog.