Early Intervention Resources and Links

Applying for the Early Intervention Certificate through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities

Students who participate in the Early Intervention Certificate training will receive a university-issued certificate upon completion of coursework, internship, and all program requirements. County Boards of Developmental Disabilities employ early intervention professionals (also called "Developmental Specialists" in the state of Ohio) within their Children's Services programs. To be employed as a Developmental Specialist in a county board Early Intervention program, each student must apply for the state-level Early Intervention Certificate through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. It is recommended that students begin the application process after all grades have been issued and documented on the official transcript from Kent State University.

Preparing for Job Applications

Kent State University Career Exploration and Development

Jobs

Ohio Association of County Boards (OACB) Job Bank 

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Career Center

Ohio Department of Health - Help Me Grow

Service Obligation 

All students funded through the U.S. Department of Education (USDE), Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) grant are required to fulfill a two-year service obligation for every year of scholarship. The service obligation must be fulfilled through a position that requires direct service to families of infants and toddlers with disabilities (not a supervisory or administrative position that excludes having a direct caseload of families). The service obligation must be completed within seven years of completion of the Early Intervention Certificate training, but it does not require consecutive years of employment. 

The Kent State Early Intervention Certificate program does not place students in positions of employment. It is each student's responsibility to search, apply, and interview for positions.

Service Obligation website: Personnel Development Program Data Collection System

Volunteer Opportunities

The Ohio Division for Early Childhood (Ohio DEC or ODEC) is our state's subdivision of the Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children, the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. ODEC would like to increase its connections with undergraduate and graduate students in education and related fields through their student volunteer program.

ODEC is seeking student volunteers to assist the organization in various activities, including but not limited to the state conference, quarterly e-newsletter, and social media updates. In return, students can participate in mentoring from one of the board members. Volunteering for a state-level organization is an excellent way to enhance one's resume and leadership skills.

Please contact ohio.dec@gmail.com (include "student volunteer" in the subject line).