Special Needs Certificate: Foundations of Special Needs, Mental Health and Trauma-Sensitive Care in Early Childhood

The purpose of the Special Needs Certificate is to prepare students for a variety of entry level employment options. By expanding understanding of exceptionalities, methods of interaction and supplemental instruction, mental health, trauma, as well as career options available, students are prepared to enter the workforce and develop a pathway for a variety of employment and educational opportunities. 

Completion of this certificate provides foundational knowledge required to complete the following learning outcomes: 

1. Demonstrate understanding of Federally defined exceptionalities and how they are diagnosed 

2. Demonstrate understanding of the Federal Special Education laws (IDEA) and their history 

3. Demonstrate the ability to critically observe and assess the developmental and learning needs of a child, and create a plan to address the developmental needs of the child within a family, community and/or school system. 

4. Demonstrate awareness of community agencies and resources available to children with exceptionalities and their families. 

LAPC students are certificate and degree-driven.  With the formation of a Special needs certificate, it is anticipated the number of students to earn the certificate annually would be similar to other specialized certificates such as Preschool director or Infant Care Certificate, and the larger unit Preschool teacher certificate and Early Childhood AS-T.

Projection is 17-32 annually

 In 2022–23, the number of students ages 3–21 who received special education and/or related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was 7.5 million, or the equivalent of 15 percent of all public school students (NCOS.gov, 2024)

This program aims to fill the workforce needs of individuals for entry level positions, supporting children with behaviors or special needs in an early childhood environment, or home and community environment.

Program Learning Objectives:

1. Demonstrate understanding of Federally defined exceptionalities and how they are diagnosed 

2. Demonstrate understanding of the Federal Special Education laws (IDEA) and their history 

3. Demonstrate the ability to critically observe and assess the developmental and learning needs of a child, and create a plan to address the developmental needs of the child within a family, community and/or school system. 

4. Demonstrate awareness of community agencies and resources available to children with exceptionalities and their families. 

Students would enroll in the Dept. CORE classes:

CH DEV 001

CH DEV 002

CH DEV 007

CH DEV 011

CH DEV 34

 CH DEV 042

These courses are all the base courses for stackable certificates

Then the certificate focus courses:

CH DEV 044

CH DEV 045

CH DEV 048 or CH DEV 055

Child Development Department, CTE

LAMC: Child Development Specializing in Special Needs, 36 Units: CH DEV 1,2,7,10,11,22,23,34,42,44 or 55, 45, 172

LAVC: Child Development Associate Teacher specializing in Special Needs, 12 units: CH DEV 1,3 or 7, 11, 44, 45

Department had 1417 headcount  for 2024-2025.

Specialized courses CH DEV 44, CH DEV 45, CH DEV 48 had a head count of 9-20.

It is anticipated that with a clear completion pathway, the number of students entering into th specialized courses will increase.

Not applicable