The Early Childhood Special Education program at Kent State University has received federal funds to prepare individuals at the graduate level to work with families of infants and toddlers with disabilities in Early Intervention. Early Intervention is a federally mandated service (Part C/IDEA) for young children and their families. Funding is available for the interdisciplinary training program designed for graduate students in Speech Pathology or Special Education. The program meets the Ohio Department of Health requirements of the Early Intervention Professional Certification.
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 supports to families through coaching interactions
- team effectively with professionals from related disciplines
- implement, disseminate, and advocate for evidence-based practices in Early Intervention
Program activities include graduate-level, research-based courses in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education in “hybrid” format (combination of on-campus participation and online participation), 125-hour internship in early intervention contexts each semester (Fall, Spring, Summer) ongoing coaching and video-based supervision research project presentation in university research symposium and other forums
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 KSU) will also be required for students to maximize available technology tools for successful graduate work.
Support provided for full-time scholars:
- Full tuition support for one calendar year (fall, spring, and summer semesters)
- Stipend, including the summer months
- iPad
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.
Applicants must be admitted to Speech Pathology or Special Education graduate level programs at KSU.
Program Contacts:
- Dr. Sanna Harjusola-Webb, Associate Professor: shwebb@kent.edu (Special Education)
- Dr. Sloane Burgess, Associate Professor: sburges8@kent.edu (Speech Pathology & Audiology)
- Kimberly Travers, Project Coordinator: ktraver2@kent.edu
Recruitment for academic year 2021-2022 will begin in March 2021. Check our website for further details.
*Federal grant funding (scholarship through OSEP) requires 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.