(6 credits)

This program can be embedded in an existing Naz graduate program or completed separately, such as by early-career or other practicing professionals — anyone who serves, or will serve, children birth - age 8 and their families.

You'll develop specialty knowledge and skills in early intervention to be a strong advocate for young children and their families.

  • This advanced certificate interprofessionally prepares you to advocate for change, to work with families in culturally responsive and trauma-informed ways, and to promote the overall development and well-being of young children (0-8 years), and children with different abilities.
  • You'll take stackable one-credit, self-paced courses that were developed by field experts, and benefit from a final capstone experience mentored by a community partner.

Ideal for

Career Information

  • Early intervention improves the long-term health, educational and social outcomes for children with disabilities. However, a local and regional provider shortage denies children with disabilities necessary services to support development.
  • The advanced certification helps develop and diversify the workforce of providers serving young children and families and helps address the shortage of providers of developmental services.
  • This program prepares early intervention specialists with specialized knowledge and skills in interprofessional, culturally and linguistically responsive services for children 0-5 years that are evidence-based, family-centered, and provided in naturalistic environments.
  • Employers in disciplines such as education, speech-language pathology, nursing, social work, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and the medical professions are seeking candidates who have this specialized knowledge.

 What to Expect 

  • Stackable courses offered in a hybrid and self-paced format center interprofessional learning and collaboration.
  • If you're in a graduate program, this certificate track is designed so you can complete it without extending your program. You'll work with your grad program advisor to plan it out.
  • Coursework and fieldwork prepare you for New York State Association of Infant Mental Health endorsement.
  • You'll have access to an on- and off-campus professional learning community focused on special topics in early childhood.

Curriculum (6 credits)

  • Special Topics in Early Childhood (Choose three of these 1-credit courses offered across fall, spring, and summer semesters)
    • Playful Learning: Integrating STEAM and Media
    • Equity-Focused Consulting and Coaching in Childcare Settings
    • Trauma-Informed Practices in Early Childhood
    • Family Partnerships in Early Intervention
    • Intervention Models in Developmental Services
    • Exploring Early Literacy: Foundations and Equity
    • Antibias Actions and Practices in Early Childhood
    • Grant Writing for Children and Families: Finding your voice and purpose
    • Serving Multilingual Children and Families
  • Infant Mental Health Seminar (1-credit, hybrid, summer session)
  • Planning for Change Seminar (1-credit capstone, hybrid, spring semester)
  • Reflective Practice Seminar (1-credit, hybrid)

Registration and Information

  • Current Naz students: Talk to your academic program director to determine whether you are eligible to enroll in this program.
  • Non-matriculated students: Complete the Certificate Application.
  • Registration occurs on a rolling basis for fall, spring, and summer terms. 
  • If you have questions, contact the directors listed below.

Tuition and Fees

See Nazareth’s Graduate School of Education tuition per credit hour.

Project Directors

Other opportunities

Approved by New York State

The New York State Department of Health's Bureau of Early Intervention (BEI) approved this program in recognition of how the curriculum integrates the NYS BEI Competency Areas for the Delivery of Evidence Based Evaluations and Services in the New York State Early Intervention Program.