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Early Childhood Intervention Assistant

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Support the unique needs of children with disabilities

Early intervention assistants are trained entry-level professional who provide important support services to children with developmental delays or disabilities from birth until the age of three in areas such as cognition, communication, social skills, and physical development. Their work serves to address Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1997, in which state agencies are required to provide needed services and care to infants and toddlers with disabilities from birth to age three.

Programs of Study

  • A
    Associate Degree
  • T
    Transfer Degree
  • C
    Credit Certificate
  • N
    Non-Credit
  • Limited Enrollment
    Limited Enrollment
  • Online Options Available
    Online Options

Early Childhood Intervention Assistant

Associate of Science and Certificate

  • A
  • C

This program is appropriate for students interested in working as an assistant or a paraprofessional in early intervention, early childhood special education, and community child development programs serving children with special needs. In addition to theoretical principles, the curriculum offers practical skills and on-site training that will prepare students for employment in the field of Early Childhood Intervention. 

Courses fulfill the required child development coursework for the state-issued Child Development permit.

Program Code

MAS601/MCE601

Units

40 Units

More Ways to Learn

Why become an early childhood intervention assistant?

As key provider of educational support for young children with disabilities, intervention assistants help children build essential social, motor, behavioral and speech skills. Children identified as having a delay or disability usually receive a variety of individualized early intervention services. An early intervention assistant has a unique role of being a part of an early intervention team, and may help provide support services such as speech therapy, nutrition services, occupational therapy, and psychological services.

What You'll Learn

  • Family function and structure, along with familial need for information and support that respects and values diverse cultures, values, beliefs and behaviors.
  • Laws and regulations pertaining to and protecting children with disabilities and their families.
  • How to access community agencies, referral systems and procedures for specialized support, specialized documents, resources and placement options.
  • Typical child development milestones of children birth to adolescence.
  • The developmental assessment process and outline its role in identifying, planning and intervening for a child with special needs and his/her family.
  • The purpose and intent of an inclusive environment that supports the whole child while meeting the individual needs of children with disabilities.

Career Options

  • Early Invtervention Assistant
  • Program Development Assistant
  • Classroom Assistant
  • Speech Pathologist Assistant
  • Early Intervention Team Lead
  • Behavioral Assistant