Published on 2/19/2012 10:30:00 AM
The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education was awarded $1.25 million to support 40 early intervention/early childhood master’s degree students over the next five years. Principal investigator Louise Kaczmarek, PhD, CCC-SLP (associate professor), and project coordinator, Diana Knoll, MEd (research associate), in the Department of Instruction and Learning developed this training to address state and national needs for more appropriately trained early interventionists and early childhood special educators to work with children with autism spectrum disorder under age five, specifically in urban and suburban settings.
One of the barriers to effective treatment is the limited availability of quality services due in part to the lack of appropriately trained personnel. High-quality training of professionals and families can greatly influence the course of development of these children, prevent further disabilities, reduce the costs of future care, and thereby significantly enhance their chances of living productive lives within their communities.
In addition to the current early intervention with autism specialization program curriculum, students will receive training in the areas of technology-based interventions, early social-communication strategies, and implementation of interventions with high fidelity.
Additionally, the program will train students to support families by assisting them in determining their strengths, priorities, and concerns; identifying social and community resources; establishing formal and informal support networks; and instructing parents to implement evidence-based intervention strategies.
The deadline for applications is
June 1, 2012, with scholarships awarded by
July 1, 2012. An information session will be held on
March 30, 2012, from 4:00-5:30 p.m. in Posvar Hall 5130. To RSVP for this event or for additional program information, please contact Johanna Taylor (
jpt24@pitt.edu) or Diana Knoll (412-648-2133), or review the
ASD Grant Flyer.