Early Intervention in Speech-Language Pathology Assisting

The Early Intervention in Speech-Language Pathology Assisting Certificate provides speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) students with more advanced knowledge and training in the delivery of speech-language therapy to infants, toddlers, and their families. Students will learn gain in-depth knowledge in the following areas: infant and toddler development, cultural and societal issues impacting families with young children, current policies and practices for early intervention, and intervention methods for working with infants and toddlers in home-based settings, childcare centers, and clinical sites. Opportunities for observation and application of therapeutic skills will be provided. This certificate is designed for students who have been admitted to or have successfully completed a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Associate of Science degree program.

Based on the current cohort size of the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Associate of Science degree program, it is estimated that 25 students would enroll in this certificate on an annual basis.

The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Department offers a high-quality Associate of Science (A.S.) degree that prepares a student for state licensure as a SLPA and employment in clinics, schools, and home-health settings under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP). With thoughtful planning, students will be able to complete the majority of the early intervention certificate courses while concurrently satisfying the requirements for the SLPA Associate of Science degree. The Early Intervention in Speech-Language Pathology Assisting certificate will build on the strong foundation of knowledge and skill in the delivery of speech-language therapy services incorporated into the Associate's degree program and provide an opportunity for more advanced training for positions that serve young children and families.

Program Objectives:

• Develop an understanding of infant and toddler developmental milestones and factors impacting development
• Explain cultural and linguistic factors to consider when working with families and young children
• Describe policies and best practices in early intervention
• Demonstrate evidence-based intervention methods to facilitate communication development in infants and toddlers
• Utilize effective communication strategies when coaching families on therapy techniques to use in their daily routines

The curriculum for this certificate is designed for students to do as they complete the requirements for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Associate of Science (A.S.) degree program. CDIT 151 will provide a more in-depth knowledge of the early intervention population (from birth through age five). Students will have the option to choose from CDEC 113 and COMM 110 which both promote understanding and awareness of working and communicating with cultural and linguistically diverse communities. SLPA students are required to apply for admission to the A.S. degree program, at which time they would take a course that provides them with the essential principles of clinical intervention for pediatric populations (SLP 225).

Once they successfully complete SLP 225 and another prerequisite (SLP 230: introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication), they will be able to enroll in SLP 250 to complete the first of two clinical practicums. From there the remaining coursework focuses primarily on early intervention. SLP 227 will provide students with a foundation in clinical principles specifically used with the early intervention population and opportunities to participate in guided observations, which will further prepare them to participate in a clinical practicum with children ages birth to five in an educational or clinical setting under the supervision of a state-licensed speech-language pathologist.

The Early Intervention in Speech-Language Pathology Assisting Certificate aligns with the mission of Cerritos College to provide high-quality comprehensive instructional programs that help meet their academic and career goals. The coursework in this certificate helps to prepare the student to meet the needs of a culturally and linguistically diverse community and fill a need for additional training in a specialized area of speech-language pathology. Through the development of relationship with community partners, the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)department will provide SLPA students with more knowledge and training that supports the Student First pillar of career and academic success. Students who successfully complete this certificate along with their Associate of Science degree will be highly desirable job candidates in early intervention settings. Additionally, students who complete this certificate will only have 11 more units to complete throughout four semesters as they prepare for and complete the Associate of Science degree in SLPA. It is the intention to make additional coursework available in the summer semesters as well to help consolidate the length of time students need to be enrolled in classes.

The only other existing SLPA oriented early intervention certificate in California's community college system is at American River College (ARC) in Sacramento. That certificate lists curriculum that totals 29.5 units. ARC does not have an application process for admittance.  Below lists coursework comparing the two certificates:

It is estimated that 25 students will enroll in this certificate on an annual basis.

Not applicable. This is a new program submission.