In 2007, the University of Oregon was funded for 4 years to offer the Early Intervention Rural Master’s Program in selected rural sites. This innovative program is designed for professionals in rural areas who work with young children with special needs and their families.

The EI Rural Master’s Program is designed to meet the need for well-trained and licensed EI/ECSE personnel in rural areas. The training focuses on an interdisciplinary approach to early intervention for children from birth to 8 years of age who may be atrisk for, or have disabilities. Training is offered to prepare students as direct interventionists with these children and their families, and/or as coordinators and supervisors of early intervention programs. Preparation is given in the following competency areas:

• Foundations in Early Intervention
• Typical & atypical development
• Infant, toddler, & preschool assessment
• Family-guided intervention
• Intervention design & implementation
• Intervention evaluation
• Interdisciplinary & interagency
  collaboration

Completion of the Master’s degree will require at least two summers of special education coursework on campus to accomplish University of Oregon requirements. Students accepted into the program may receive some tuition support for summer term.

Practicum experiences are coordinated and supervised by UO faculty in EI programs where the students reside. A compressed training model is used to facilitate the involvement of individuals already employed in the field who are interested in an advanced degree.

Each term, an online course and practicum will be required. At the end of 4-7 terms, the student will have completed the basic sequence of coursework leading to a Master’s degree in Early Intervention and Early Childhood/ Special Education licensure. Coursework is designed to link with field experiences, allowing students to put theory into practice. Curriculum focuses on working with the young child in the context of the family as well as within regular early childhood settings.

Rural Master's Program Coursework and Requirements

Qualifying Criteria

1. Oregon resident.
2. Bachelor's degree required.
3. Individuals accepted must be able to complete the intensive coursework and practicum in the allotted time frame.
4. Individuals working full time must be employed in a setting with infants, toddlers, and/or preschool children with special needs and their families.
5. Preference will be given to individuals who have 2 years experience working with children with special needs & families.

For questions or information, please contact:

Linda Albi, Rural/Field Experience Coordinator
(541) 346-0813 or lalbi@uoregon.edu

Dr. Jantina Clifford, Rural Project Coordinator
(541) 346-2599 or jantinac@uoregon.edu

Dr. Jane Squires, EIP Director
(541) 346-0807 or jsquires@uoregon.edu

For application, please contact:
Annette Tognazzini, EIP Secretary
(541) 346-2595 or annettet@uoregon.edu