Northeastern University’s Certificate Program in Early Intervention is an interdisciplinary, preservice training program that is designed to fulfill requirements for certification as an early intervention specialist, at the advanced provisional level, as set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).
The interdisciplinary nature of the program is facilitated by the interaction of graduate students from several disciplines (including school psychology, counseling psychology, and speech-language pathology); undergraduate students from majors such as speech-language pathology and audiology and psychology; and working professionals in the field. Personnel working in the field may use their work sites for field training.
The program is delivered in a hybrid format. Classes meet on campus one day each month, and additional course content is delivered online.
This graduate certificate program can be completed by non-degree-seeking students or integrated with master’s or clinical doctoral degree programs. Application of course work from certain degree programs will be approved to apply to requirements of this graduate certificate; students are encouraged to speak with their academic advisors early in their programs to explore these options.
The goals for the early intervention certificate program are:
- To prepare personnel to provide services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families, from linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds in urban environments
- To prepare personnel who have attained all competencies relative to early intervention, specified by the Massachusetts DPH, and that are consistent with best practice and research
- To prepare personnel in an interdisciplinary manner, drawing from Northeastern University’s multidisciplinary resources
- To prepare personnel to function effectively across teams (individualized family service plan teams, community teams, interagency teams) and to understand the roles of their interdisciplinary teammates
Upon graduation, students are eligible for employment in an early intervention service delivery setting.
Complete all courses and requirements listed below unless otherwise indicated.
Core Requirements
A grade of B or higher is required in all courses.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core | ||
| CAEP 5150 | Early Intervention: Family Systems | 3 |
| CAEP 5151 | Early Intervention: Infant and Toddler Development, Risk, and Disability | 3 |
| SLPA 5152 | Early Intervention: Planning and Evaluating Services | 3 |
| CAEP 5153 | Early Intervention: Assessment and Intervention | 3 |
| Practicum | ||
| SLPA 5154 | Early Intervention Practicum 1 | 2 |
| SLPA 5155 | Early Intervention Practicum 2 | 2 |
Program Credit/GPA Requirements
16 total semester hours required
Minimum 3.000 GPA required