Paving the Way for High-Quality Personnel Entering the Workforce in Support of Young Children With Disabilities

This project aims to provide training to students seeking certification and endorsement in the areas of birth through kindergarten and early childhood special education.

• Sponsor
  U.S. Department of Education
  Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities
  $927,729

• Principal investigator
  Rebecca Lieberman-Betz
  Associate professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education
  

• Co-principal investigators
  Cynthia Vail
  Professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education
  

  Alicia Davis
  Clinical professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education
  

• Active since
  October 2023

Abstract

This project aims to provide training to students seeking certification and endorsement in the areas of birth through kindergarten (BK) and early childhood special education (ECSE). Graduates of the Pathway Project will be prepared and certified to take positions primarily serving young children with disabilities eligible for Part C or Part B special education services.

Twenty-two scholars will be prepared to work in the field of special education with a focus on infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with high-intensity needs and their families. Outcomes include scholar competency in supporting children with high-intensity needs, working with families, collaboration, team-based problem-solving, and evidence-based practices.