The Interdisciplinary Early Intervention Certificate (IEI) program focuses on preparing practitioners (e.g., speech-language pathologists, early childhood special education) to meet the developmental and early education needs of young children (birth-3 years old) with developmental delays or disabilities and those children considered at risk for developmental delays or disabilities. This is a four course (11-12 hour), face-to-face, graduate certificate program with 2 required courses and 2 electives, selected from other related areas. As an interdisciplinary program, the focus is on interdisciplinary early intervention in natural and inclusive settings. Special attention is paid to the provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate, family-centered supports. 11-12 credit hours are required to complete the certificate. This program is open to individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences who are interested in the field of early intervention.
This program WILL NOT lead to any initial teacher licensure/certification or endorsement for the state of KS. State-by-state requirements vary. Completion of a graduate certificate is not a guarantee of licensure or endorsement of any kind. It is each student’s responsibility to determine the licensure and endorsement requirements in his or her state and to apply for the licenses or endorsements necessary for his or her career goals.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with at least a 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale from a regionally accredited institution or a foreign university with substantially equivalent bachelor’s degree requirements.
Meeting minimum admission standards does not guarantee admission to the program. Other factors considered by the committee include: strength of the letter of application; strength of the letters of recommendation; quality of previous experience and background in special education or a closely related discipline; availability of an appropriate advisor in the applicant's identified area of emphasis; and the fit between the applicant's professional and graduate program goals and the purpose and mission of the KU.
Application checklist:
- Online Application*
- Official transcript of completed bachelor’s degree from accredited university
- Letter of introduction stating your area of interest and licensure status as applicable
- Name, email and position for two professional references
- Current resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Proof of English proficiency (for non-native English-speaking applicants)
Applicants who are non-native speakers of English must demonstrate English proficiency in the skill areas of reading, writing, and listening. Please read the full policy and acceptable proof of proficiency options on our policy page.
*Students that are admitted and currently active (not graduated) in a special education master’s program may add a certificate program to their student record without completing the online application, subject to current faculty advisor and graduate certificate program coordinator approval. Please contact your advisor for more information.
Course Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Interdisciplinary Early Intervention include:
Completion of the 4 course program plan for 11 or 12 credit hours.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| SPED/SPLH 736 | Foundations of Early Intervention | 3 |
| SPED/SPLH 737 | Infants and Toddler with Significant Needs | 3 |
| or SPED 731 | Supporting Children with Significant Learning and Behavioral Concerns |
Two more completed from the options below:
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| SPLH 840 | Communication of Infants and Toddlers: Early Intervention Supports and Services | 2 |
| SPED 854 | Family and Interprofessional Collaboration in Special Education | 3 |
| SPED 734 | Inclusive Strategies and Intervention for Infants and Toddlers: _____ | 3 |
A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher is required to remain in good academic standing and in order to graduate.
Additional information can be found in the graduate regulations section of the catalog.
