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Graduate Certificate in Early Intervention

The Early Intervention (EI) Graduate Certificate in the Special Education Program at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ prepares students to become highly qualified Developmental Specialists (DS) who support infants and toddlers (birth to age three) with developmental delays and disabilities—and their families. This area of practice is defined under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Graduates are credentialed to work in Ohio’s statewide Early Intervention system, providing family-centered, evidence-based services in homes and community settings. Completion of the EI minor qualifies graduates for the five-year Developmental Specialist (DS) credential through the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (ODCY).

Since 2013, ºìÐÓÊÓƵ has received continuous funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) to support the preparation of highly skilled professionals serving infants, toddlers, and their families. Through these initiatives, over 100 professionals from special education and speech-language pathology have been prepared as Developmental Specialists, strengthening Ohio’s Early Intervention system.

Hear what our students have to say about the Early Intervention Graduate Certificate!

Program Information for

Admissions for

Program Overview

Program Overview

ºìÐÓÊÓƵ 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:

  • Child development and early learning across developmental domains
  • Family-centered practices and family empowerment
  • Routines-Based Interviews (RBI) and embedded intervention practices
  • Assessment, eligibility determination, IFSP development, and progress monitoring
  • Coaching and teaming with families and interdisciplinary professionals
  • Collaboration across disciplines such as speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, and early intervention
Program Highlights

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 Early Intervention agencies across Ohio
Plan of Study

Plan of Study

View the Early Intervention Certificate Plan of Study Form (PDF).

Why ºìÐÓÊÓƵ State?

ºìÐÓÊÓƵ is a state and nationally recognized leader in Early Intervention personnel preparation. For more than a decade, ºìÐÓÊÓƵ State has demonstrated excellence in preparing Developmental Specialists through strong partnerships with state agencies, Early Intervention providers, and university faculty.

The program’s evidence-based coursework, high-quality field experiences, and commitment to family-centered practice ensure graduates are well-prepared to make an immediate impact.

Through sustained OSEP funding, ºìÐÓÊÓƵ State has built a legacy of collaboration—preparing over 100 professionals from special education and speech-language pathology who now work as credentialed Developmental Specialists throughout Ohio.

Automatic Developmental Specialist Credential

Automatic Developmental Specialist Credential

Students completing ºìÐÓÊÓƵ 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.

The DS credential authorizes professionals to deliver specialized services to infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities as part of Ohio’s statewide Early Intervention system. The County Boards of Developmental Disabilities are the largest employers of DS professionals across the state.

Credentialing Process

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).

ºìÐÓÊÓƵ 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.

As of March 3, 2025, ODCY assumed full oversight of the Developmental Specialist credentialing process via OCCRRA. Applicants submit documentation, transcripts, and verification of field experience through the Ohio Early Intervention Credentialing Portal.

For state guidance, forms, and resources, including user guides, attestation forms, certification flow charts, and continuing professional development information, visit the

Full Scholarships Available

Apply for federal grant funding today! The Early Childhood Special Education program at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ has been identified as a high-need area and has received federal funds to prepare individuals at the graduate level to work with families of infants and toddlers with disabilities in Early Intervention. This grant is called "Natural Environments by Teaming 2.0 (Project NExT 2.0." Full scholarships are available for this full-time, transdisciplinary certificate!

Did you know? This program is not just for students with an undergraduate degree in Special Education. Students with a degree in Speech Language Pathology, Human Development and Family Science, Teacher Licensure and other related fields are encouraged to apply for this program if interested.

Learn more about federal grant funding for the EI Certificate

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Early Intervention program are prepared to serve in a variety of professional roles, including:

  • Developmental Specialist or Speech-Language Pathologist in county or regional Early Intervention programs
  • Early Interventionist or Service Coordinator Position
  • Home Visiting Professional supporting families and caregivers
  • Consultant or collaborator within preschool and community settings serving children with developmental differences
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