The Primary Intervention Specialist (P-IS) concentration prepares future Early Childhood Special Education professionals to teach and support young children with and without disabilities from Pre-K 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 preschoolers and young children. The program emphasizes 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 on 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.
This program is ideal for students who want to:
Support children’s development across all domains from Pre-K through grade 5
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
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:
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher / Intervention Specialist in preschool or primary classrooms
Intervention Specialist (P-5) in public, private, or charter school settings
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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