The Primary Intervention Specialist (P-IS) concentration prepares future Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education professionals to teach and support families and young children with and without disabilities from birth through grade 5. Graduates earn an Ohio teaching license in Primary Intervention (P-5) and are qualified to work in early intervention, inclusive classrooms, self-contained classrooms, special schools, and community-based early childhood programs.
The Primary Intervention Specialist program engages students in hands-on coursework and field experiences that focus on evidence-based practices for supporting the developmental and educational needs of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and young children. The program emphasizes family-centered early intervention, developmentally appropriate practice, IFSP and IEP implementation, specially designed instruction, coaching/teaming, and interdisciplinary collaboration, equipping graduates with the skills to effectively individualize, to teach, and to advocate behalf of young children and their families.
Program Overview
The P-IS program prepares students to meet the diverse needs of young learners through authentic, field-embedded experiences and faculty mentorship. Students learn to bridge Early Intervention (EI) and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) approaches to support children’s growth across home, community, and school settings.
This program is ideal for students who want to:
Support children’s development across all domains from birth through grade 5
Partner with families as active collaborators in their child’s learning and care
Team with a variety of professionals in early intervention and school settings
Implement individualized, evidence-based instruction and intervention (with expertise in IFSPs and IEPs)
Foster inclusive environments that promote belonging, engagement, and participation for all children and families
What You’ll Learn
Students in the P-IS program gain knowledge and skills in:
Assessment – Conducting developmental and educational assessments for eligibility, instruction, intervention, and progress monitoring.
IFSP & IEP Development – Creating and implementing individualized plans that emphasize teaming, strengths, capacity-building, and family priorities.
Child Development – Understanding developmental trajectories from birth through early elementary years.
Teaming & Collaboration – Working effectively with educators, therapists, and families as part of interdisciplinary teams.
Family Empowerment – Building trusting, empowering partnerships with families using routines-based approaches for planning and intervention.
Evidence-Based Instruction – Applying research-supported strategies to promote meaningful learning, coaching, and progress.
Ohio Standards & Guidelines – Using Ohio’s Operating Standards and Early Learning Standards to promote educational benefit for all learners.
Primary Intervention Specialist (P-IS) Program Highlights
Dual Focus: Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education – Integrates coursework and fieldwork across transitions and both systems.
Ohio P-5 Intervention Specialist Licensure – Prepares graduates to serve children with disabilities and their families from birth through grade 5.
Field-Embedded Learning – Extensive field experiences and student teaching in inclusive early childhood and special education settings.
Expert Faculty – Learn from leaders in Early Intervention, Early Childhood Special Education, and Inclusive practices.
Personalized Advising – Small classes, one-to-one guidance each semester to ensure smooth progression and timely graduation.
Commitment to Inclusion and Interdisciplinary Practices – Focus on family empowerment, interdisciplinary teaming, coaching, and learner engagement as foundations for best practices in teaching and learning.
Career-Ready Preparation – Graduates enter the field ready for credentialing and employment in county boards, schools, inclusive classrooms, and community-based programs.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the P-IS program are well-prepared for roles such as:
Developmental Specialist (DS) in Part C Early Intervention systems across Ohio county boards
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher / Intervention Specialist in preschool or primary classrooms
Intervention Specialist (P-5) in public, private, or charter school settings
Family or Program Advocate supporting children with disabilities and their families
For More Information
For more details about the Primary Intervention Specialist (P-IS) concentration, please contact:
Dr. Sanna Harjusola-Webb
Dr. Ching-I Chen
Early Intervention & Early Childhood Special Education
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