Autism Early Intervention Specialist
Curriculum for students entering program in 2008-09.
Specific Admission Requirements
The Autism Early Intervention Specialist Certificate program, under the auspices of the Early Childhood Education department, trains students to work specifically with very young children from birth to age 8 with autism spectrum disorder and other special needs or with those children who may be at risk for developmental delays or disabilities. Students will learn about individual differences in both typically and atypically developing young children. Students will work collaboratively as a part of various transdisciplinary teams and implement the activities that have been developed as part of a child’s Individual Family Support Plan (IFSP). Students will learn how to provide early supports and services to young children in natural environments such as the home or a child care program while valuing and supporting the family as the expert on the child. The courses in the Autism Early Intervention Specialist Certificate program meet the training and education requirements for the State of NH credential of Associate Teacher Level 4. (Refer to the Early Childhood Professional Development System Guide for other criteria for this level.)
For more information, contact Gale Hall, Department Head of Early Childhood Education at 603-271-2305. This program is available days and evenings and is "financial aid eligible." Students working in licensed child care programs in NH may also apply for tuition assistance made possible through funding from the NH DHHS, DCYF, Child Development Bureau.
The course layout below is typical for a full time day student. Contact the Department Head for typical layout of a part time evening schedule.
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FIRST YEAR | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| EC 101 | Growth and Development of the Young Child | 3 |
| EC 242 | Child, Family and Community | 3 |
| EC 265 | Positive Behavior Guidance and Supporting Young Children with Challenging Behaviors | 3 |
| EC 270 | Teaching Young Children with Special Needs | 3 |
| 12 | ||
| Spring Semester | ||
| EC 190 | Preparing for Practicum | 1 |
| EC 215 | Infant/Toddler Development and Programming | 4 |
| EC 225 | Autism Spectrum Disorder | 4 |
| EC 226 | Home Visiting and Working with a Team | 3 |
| 12 | ||
| Summer Semester | ||
| EC 278 | Early Intervention Practicum | 5 |
| 5 | ||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 29 | |
Health, Character and Technical Standards for Early Childhood Education Associate Degree Program
Program Comments:
- Students will be working with children at the NHTI campus child care center beginning with first semester early childhood courses. Applicants are advised that the New Hampshire Bureau of Child Care Licensing requires certain paperwork to be on file at centers for employees and others who regularly work in child care centers. Completion of paperwork from the Bureau of Child Care Licensing must occur by the end of the first week of classes. This may include:
- submission of a criminal record check;
- a complete set of fingerprints (new law effective July 1, 2007);
- completion of the licensing Child Care Personnel Health Form by a licensed health provider.
- The cost of the record check and fingerprinting is the responsibility of the student. They must come back as clear or non-disqualifying and the health form must indicate that the student is in good physical health and has no mental or emotional disturbances that would prohibit him/her from caring for children. Otherwise the student will be dismissed from the program.
- These forms are provided at each interview and orientation/registration or are available from the Department Head. Failure to complete the proper forms in a timely manner will result in an unexcused absence in the corresponding early childhood classes and could lead to course failure or suspension from the Early Childhood Education program.
Revised May 1, 2008