The Center on Disability and Community Inclusion in collaboration with the College of Education and Social Services’ Early Childhood Special Education Program were awarded two United States Department of Education (USDOE), Office of Special Education Program, Personnel Development Grants in early intervention (EI) and early childhood special education (ECSE). The purpose of both grants was to build the capacity of practitioners to support the needs of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with disabilities and their families. The grants support the existing UVM/CESS Early Childhood Special Education Undergraduate and Graduate Programs. Funds from these USDOE grants provide partial tuition remission to students who meet requirements and are enrolled in either the UVM bachelor of science or master of education in EI/ECSE. Students who are awarded tuition remission must work in the field of EI/ECSE, two years for each year of tuition remission received. We estimate that outcomes related to these federal grants include graduating 60 undergraduate and 30 graduate EI/ECSE students by 2018.

A special focus of both grants includes coursework and internships working with young refugee children with disabilities and their families.

Grants Awarded

Vermont Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education Undergraduate's Program (CFDA 84.325; Grant period: 2012-2017; Award: $1,250,000)
Vermont Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education Master's Program (CFDA 84.325; Grant period: 2009-2013; Award: $800,000)