GW’s Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) has received a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to help meet the growing demand for special needs educators. The Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs recognized GSEHD’s “Innovation for Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers” project, which will train a minimum of 32 students to enter the field of early childhood special education and research.
“This support gives our students an extraordinary opportunity to link hands-on experience with rigorous research to improve special education not only for children with special needs but also for their teachers,” says GSEHD Dean Michael Feuer. “We know that the Department of Education applies high standards in its review and granting of awards, and we look forward to meeting the department’s expectations through this endeavor.”
Spearheaded by Jay Shotel, professor of special education and disability studies, and Project Director Lorelei Emma, the “Innovation for Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers” project will use research-based practices to increase new teacher job satisfaction, efficacy and retention in special needs education and explore the interplay of brain development, function and neurodevelopmental disabilities—factors most apparent in the growing rate of autism diagnosed in young children up to 5 years old.
It will also train GSEHD students to serve young children with special needs, in partnership with GW’s School of Public Health and Health Services and in collaboration with local medical centers including Fairfax INOVA and the Leadership in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities program through Children’s National Medical Center.
Students accepted into GSEHD’s master of arts program in early childhood special education are eligible to apply for the project and, if accepted, will receive 70 percent tuition funding. The grant goes into effect Jan. 1.
Dr. Shotel says Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia are experiencing critical shortages of highly qualified early childhood special education practitioners. The number of children with autism spectrum disorder has increased in local school districts, including Alexandria, Arlington, Prince George’s County and D.C.
“There is a continuing need for special education personnel as this is one of the severe shortage areas and a priority of the Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs. This need has been exacerbated by the continuing growth and early identification of children with autism spectrum disorders,” says Dr. Shotel. “Early intervention for children at risk or with identified disabilities has been found to be critical in terms of normalization, growth and the potential for an inclusive school program and success in later life.”