What is a special appeal? 
A special appeal is a targeted solicitation of philanthropic gifts to support an existing Kent State University Foundation fund. The appeal is not directly tied to one of Kent State’s main annual giving campaigns, but it needs to have a strong case for support and a specified target audience with whom the message will resonate. 

Program Highlights

• Family-centered and strengths-based approach
• Coursework aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Routines-Based Intervention, and ODCY competencies
• Automatic eligibility for the 5-year DS credential upon completion
• Credentialing supported through OCCRRA / OPR in alignment with OAC 5180-10-05
• Collaborative, interdisciplinary learning alongside speech-language pathology students
• Faculty mentors with active OSEP-funded research and field partnerships
• Strong relationships with county E

Credentialing Process

Developmental Specialist credentials are issued through the Ohio Professional Registry (OPR), administered by the Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association (OCCRRA) under contract with the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (ODCY).

Kent State’s EI curriculum aligns with the education and training standards specified in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) 5180-10-05, which define DS eligibility requirements.

Automatic Developmental Specialist Credential

Students completing Kent State’s Early Intervention Minor or Early Intervention Graduate Certificate automatically qualify for the five-year Developmental Specialist (DS) credential through the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (ODCY) and OCCRRA upon graduation.

• Contact your assigned project manager and philanthropic advisor to discuss feasibility and timing. 
• Once you have approval from your area, ask the project manager to fill out the DPAE special appeal form. 
• Await approval.

• Setting unrealistic expectations for the amount of funds raised 
• Trying to fundraise for operational costs, such as things donors expect the university to pay for 

Program Overview

Kent State’s Early Intervention program emphasizes evidence-based practices in natural environments, interdisciplinary collaboration, assessment, Routines-Based Intervention (RBI), Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs), and coaching that promote children’s participation in everyday routines and activities. Coursework and field experiences align with the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) Recommended Practices and the ODCY competencies for Developmental Specialists.

Students gain knowledge and hands-on experience in:

• What type of project are you raising funds for: Scholarship, Capital, Programmatic? 
• The average response rate for direct mail solicitations is 0.5 to 2 percent 
• The average response rate for email solicitation is 0.05 to 0.1 percent 
• Multichannel efforts (i.e., email, text message, social media and phone call) are recommended 
• Events that bring in money and are not coordinated by the DPAE Events Team are considered special appeals and go through DPAE.