The EI/ECSE Master's degree program can be completed in conjunction with the EI/ECSE Stand-Alone or Add-On Licensure and provides intensive preservice training for individuals interested in working with children birth to five years old who are at risk or disabled and their families.

The early intervention major leads to a master's degree — M.A., M.S., or M.Ed.—in early intervention. Activity based intervention and a family guided approach to serving young children with special needs are emphasized. Full-time students can complete the program in four to six consequtive terms.

The master's degree program requires core education courses, early-entervention core courses, and associated field-based practicums. Students must also meet program competencies.

Course Work

The course work for the EI/ECSE Master's degree program consists of 58 credits and is listed below. For complete list and times view the course schedule

Fall Quarter

SPED 607 Applications of the Linked System I
SPED 609 Early Intervention Practicum
SPED 680 Foundations in Early Intervention
SPED 687 Early Intervention Methods I
EDLD 637 Diversity in Education
SPED 526 Behavior Management

Winter Quarter

SPED 607 Applications of the Linked System II
SPED 609 Early Intervention Practicum
SPED 681 Family-Guided Early Intervention
SPED 682 Assessment and Evaluation in Early Intervention
SPED 688 Early Intervention Methods II
SPED 628 Law & Special Education

SPED 625 Final Supervised Field Experience in Early Intervention I
SPED 689 Early Intervention Methods III
SPED 683 Curriculum in Early Childhood/ EI
SPED 609 Early Intervention Practicum

Summer Term

SPED 512 Foundations Disability II
SPED 607 Research Methods
EDLD 646 Action Research
SPED 690 Early Intervention Methods IV
SPED 609 Practicum/BOOST

Instruction

Courses in the Early Intervention Program are taught by College of Education faculty, and the Early Intervention faculty and staff listed above. Instruction provides state-of-the-art information, but is also structured to permit discussion and student participation.

Supervision

Supervision is conducted by qualified staff under the guidance of program faculty. Supervisors meet regularly with students to observe their performance in practica settings. Supervisors also meet as a group to assess student progress, discuss issues or difficulties experienced in practice, and plan for orientation, practicum placements, and student evaluations. Student evaluation of supervisors indicate a high level of satisfaction with the supervision model and supervisors.

Evaluation

The Early Intervention Program conducts extensive evaluation of its course work, faculty, supervision, cooperating professionals, and field work sites. In addition, the university conducts an evaluation of all courses. Course evaluations by the University and Early Intervention Program indicate high satisfaction with courses and instructors. Ratings for courses and instructors range between 4 and 5 (very good to excellent) on a 5-point Likert scale. Students must maintain a B average to remain in the program and must pass all practicum/field work.