Newsletter Article: Six-Year Analysis of Best Practices in Personnel Prep

2009

The University of Connecticut A. J. Pappanikou Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UConn UCEDD) in collaboration with Western Kentucky University (WKU) has completed a six year project to analyze the quality of training, certification and licensure for personnel working with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers who have special needs. The study revealed a crisis in personnel working with children with disabilities ages birth to five (B-5). While most states reported a variety of supports for obtaining qualified personnel, there is a current shortage of personnel and there are still many barriers including: a small pool of potential employees, low salaries, and a lack of support for early intervention (EI) and early childhood special education (ECSE) certification standards. Although faculty indicated that their preservice curricula moderately align with national standards, few states' licensure or certification standards align with national standards. Most states have neither a training system nor a system of technical assistance for early intervention or special education preschool programs. Most service providers reported that they lack the confidence and competence in early intervention or special education preschool services.

Reports and monographs

Consumers/Families, Professionals, Students

N/A