Disabilities Services Credential...

Being the best you can be!  Qualifications that exceed all others!

Credential Programs

    Disabilites Services- Administrative  (15 units/12 weeks)

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  • This Disabilities Services Credential is designed to help students develop a “systems approach” to monitoring disability services, reflecting the vision articulated within the Performance Standards and disabilities protocol that strong systems are essential to maintaining program quality. Under this approach, students will learn how to identify a failure within disabilities service area and identify the underlying problems in which federal review teams might identify as a non-compliance finding. The credential focuses on how systems, services, and disability activities interact to create and maintain quality support and services. The focus of the credential will be on both the child and family, using the regulations and best practices to develop procedures and policies. This credential is a holistic, multifaceted credential that allows students to learn how to integrate quality disability services and support systems. The credential uses the disability requirements as the core of the credential. Students learn the provisions of establishing a Head Start-based disability services program that emphasizes a programmatic way of observing and recognizing inclusion in staff, children and families and directing them to the best support services. The credential in Disabilities Services Administrator credential is designed for students who want a concentration in the areas of disability services in Head Start.  Credits earned can be used for transfer into the Associates in Science degree - Health Services Management program.

 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:

1. Prepares you to teach children with mild to severe disabilities in Head Start
2. Prepares you to teach in self-contained special and general education
3. Prepares you to teach children with English as first or second language
4. Prepares you for diversity of languages and cultures in and among children and families
5. Helps students to meet the diverse needs of all students and those with special needs
6. Create and evaluate a learning environment that supports children's physical, social, emotional and emotional development
7. Identify and apply positive approaches that encourage families to seek help and services
8. Demonstrate competence in integrating theory and practice in disabilities services and supports
   
  • A credential at HS University is an "educational process" of establishing the qualifications of professionals in Head Start, Early Head Start, Migrant Head Start, American Indian/Alaska Native and Early Childhood employees.  The process consists of the attainment of a specific skill level and knowledge of regulations and the assessing of the candidate's educational background and experience. A credential is then awarded to the professional who meets the standards set for the credential.  It signifies that a student has enrolled, attended and successfully completed the requirements of a specific mental health services plan of study within a Head Start program.  The administrator credential process usually takes about 12 weeks to complete and requires 15 units.
  • The credential in Disabilities Services Administrator Credential provides a basic academic foundation and professional development for disabilities staff. An important professional credential and license offers Head Start nutrition workers an opportunity to advance their careers and serve children and families more effectively. A license is a "collegiate diploma". It is a post-secondary academic process of establishing the qualifications of professionals working in Disabilities Services.
  • Students are prepared to communicate effectively, learn and use new technology, think critically and creatively and demonstrate sound disabilities policies.  The courses are designed for students who intend to pursue advanced study in Disabilities Services or a related discipline. 
  • Students are required to complete the following:

    Complete 15 units or 5 credits

    Complete online examination and documentation process

    Complete a Prior Learning Assessment portfolio packet

    Pay fee ( fees are determined by state in which student resides)

    Complete award review process

    Admission Criteria

    Candidates for admission to the credential program must be employed in a Head Start program and possess a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) diploma.

     Application Deadline

    The deadline for Fall session starts is September.  The next session starts 6 weeks after that date.

    The following list a suggested course of study. Students must complete 5 credits/15 units in order to earn a certificate. Please contact your advisor and student representative for an individual Professional Development Plan (Plans consist of a detailed program of study requirement and Proposal for Tuition payment).  Students must complete an application and pay application fee in order to receive Professional Development Plans of Study.

    Course of Study

    Course #

    Description

    Credits

    		 Units
    DIS101 Managing Comprehensive Disabilities Services 3 10
    50-101 Disabilities Administrative Exam 1 5
    DIS100 Disabilities Services Administrative Course 4 15
    		 
  • Program Length
  • This program is 12 weeks in length and requires 15 credits unless specified otherwise. HS University students are Head Start working adults who can earn their certificate at their own pace and on their own schedule.  Most students attend part-time, and the normal time to complete this program is 12 weeks.

 

How to enroll...