Certificate in Young Children with Autism and Exceptionalities

If you are interested in a career working specifically with young children with autism spectrum disorder and other special needs or with children who may be at risk for developmental delays, then this certificate is a great place to start. You will learn about individual differences in both typically and atypically developing young children, how to work collaboratively as part of various trans-disciplinary teams, and how to provide early supports and services to young children in natural environments such as the home or child care program. If you are currently working at least 20 hours/week in the early childhood field, you may be eligible for the Early Childhood Education Scholarship Program available through a partnership with Granite State College and the Division of Children Youth & Families, Department of Health and Human Resources. All courses in this certificate can be applied to our Associate degree in Early Care and Education for Young Children with Disabilities.

Completers will be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of young children’s characteristics and needs to create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for each child.

Implement various interventions for young children with ASD and children with disabilities across all developmental domains.

Demonstrate an understanding of developmentally effective approaches that emphasize positive relationships and supportive interactions to influence outcomes for individual children.

Demonstrate a basic understanding of relevant professional, legal, and regulatory guidelines for serving every child.

Demonstrate that they know about, understand, and value the importance of creating respectful, reciprocal relationships to support and empower families in their communities.

Demonstrate the ability to participate in early intervention and special needs interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teams.

Demonstrate a variety of Early childhood field experiences.