One of the most rewarding fields of specialty within special education is that of early intervention. Licensed early intervention teachers can work with children from birth to kindergarten. The setting in which these services can take place varies from preschool classrooms to the homes of children most commonly. The majority of early intervention cases are performed at home because research shows that very young children exhibit the most progress in their natural home environments.

Children who are eligible to receive early intervention services typically have more severe physical, cognitive, behavioral, and communication delays than children who are diagnosed with such learning disabilities later in their childhood. Therefore early intervention IEP’s (Individualized Education Plan) are usually more directed at the child’s development rather than their academic standing. To the average observer of an early intervention session, it may appear that the therapist may just be playing with the child. However, the exercises and games that teachers use with these students are used to support skills that are vital to the child’s development. As a whole, education researchers have proven that the earlier a child’s disabilities are addressed, the better and more suited they will be at combating them.

Job Description:

Licensed early intervention teachers can work with children from birth to kindergarten who have developmental issues in an array of area. Such areas of need that are most commonly affected for early intervention students are physical, cognitive, behavioral, and communication. The exercises and games that teachers use with these students are used to support skills that are vital to the child’s development in these areas of weakness. In addition to the day to day interaction that therapists have with their students, EI therapists are also responsible for helping create lessons and plans for parents so that they may help aide their child when the therapist is not in session. The therapist is also responsible for creating assessments to measure the level of growth the student is making in their developmental deficiencies. Much of an EI therapist’s job duties require completing such administrative tasks such as drafting documents for upcoming IEP meetings, reviewing and updating a child’s goals, meeting with other specialists that aid the child, as well as attending training programs and staff meetings.

Qualifications:

1. Certificate in New York State Early Childhood B-2 Students with Disabilities or New York State Special Education