FAQ

Infant and Toddler Developmental Specialist Program

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WHAT IS IT? The University of Central Florida (UCF) has received a federal grant from the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs to offer financial support for graduate coursework leading to a UCF Certificate for the recently approved Infant and Toddler Developmental Specialist. This funding will be available between August 2002 and July 2007.

HOW MANY COURSES ARE INVOLVED? There are six (6) courses in the Certificate Program. Each is a three (3) credit course. Those successfully completing the six courses will gain 18 hours of graduate credit. This may be applied toward a master’s degree if the student chooses to pursue such.

HOW WILL THE COURSES BE OFFERED? Courses are available online through WebCT, with reduced seat time.

WHAT ARE THE SIX COURSES? The six courses include four that have been in existence for several years as approved Florida Department of Education Pre-Kindergarten Handicapped Endorsement courses. Titles of these vary at different state colleges/universities. The general content areas include typical/atypical development, assessment, curriculum, and family involvement. The courses previously taught at UCF as Pre - K Handicapped Endorsement courses have been revised by infusing competencies related to infants and toddlers. In addition to these four courses, two new courses have been added to fulfill the required competencies for the Infant and Toddler Developmental Specialist Certificate. One new course involves content on medically related issues. The other consists of content specific to teaming in natural environments.

WHAT IF I HAVE ALREADY TAKEN THE FOUR PRE-K ENDORSEMENT COURSES? In prior years, the four Pre-K Endorsement courses focused primarily on children, ages 3-5, with disabilities. UCF is designing a “gap” course to include infant and toddler competencies not previously included.

WHEN WILL THIS START? UCF will begin offering the courses in January 2003. It is anticipated that two courses will be offered each term (winter, spring, summer). Students may take one or two courses per term depending on need and availability.

WHAT IS MEANT BY SUPPORT? Tuition and fees will be given to selected candidates. Additionally, students will receive a stipend upon successful completion of each course.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING?To be eligible for the grant, applicants must meet the requirements below:

Educational Requirements: Applicants must have at least ONE of the following

  1. A bachelors degree from an accredited institution in one of the following fields: Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education, Child and Family Development, Family Life Specialist, Communication Sciences, Psychology, Social Work or an equivalent degree based on transcript evaluation.

Or

  1. A bachelors degree in any field, AND five or more years experience with the 0-5 special needs population

Or

  1. A bachelors degree in any field, AND a Masters degree in Education, Early Childhood Education or Special Education.

Work Experience Requirements

  1. All applicants must have at least one year of work experience with infants and toddlers with special needs.

And

  1. All applicants must be currently working with infants or toddlers with special needs.

Residency Requirements

  1. Florida residency is required.

Future Work Requirements

  1. Applicants must read and agree to the terms outlined in the Statement of Understanding and Agreement (document is in the Program Packet).

DO I NEED TO TAKE THE GRE? No. However, you do need to apply to the UCFGraduateSchool, Pre-K Handicapped Endorsement Certificate Program. Applicants should correspond regularly with the GraduateSchool in order to ensure that all of the required documents are submitted and received. For details, go to our website and click on ‘How Do I Get Started?’ Then select Step 2: Applying to the UCFGraduateSchool.

WHEN I COMPLETE THE PROGRAM WHERE WILL I BE ELIGIBLE TO WORK? The UCF Certificate Program for the Infant and Toddler Developmental Specialist will be recognized throughout the state by the Florida Department of Health, Children’s Medical Services, Infants and Toddlers Early Intervention Program as documentation of eligibility for employment. The competencies contained in the program will be required for all Infant and Toddler Developmental Specialists in Florida’s Part C program by 2007. Candidates who hold Early Childhood or Special Education teacher certification in Florida will also be eligible to receive the Florida Department of Education Pre-Kindergarten Disability Endorsement.

HOW DO I GET STARTED? You may indicate your interest in a funded slot at UCF under this grant by corresponding through the following email address: . You may also download an application and other pertinent information by visiting the following website: