Developmental Disability Certificate
Kansas LEND Developmental Disability Certificate Program
Starting in fall 2024, this 6-month certificate program has prepared over 30 childcare providers to provide excellent care for children with a variety of developmental differences. New cohorts of childcare providers start their journey each fall and spring. All classroom teachers, family childcare providers, center administrators and other early childhood educators of all training levels and experience who are interested in providing high-quality, inclusive care are encouraged to apply!
In this hybrid in-person and online program, you will work closely with the University of Kansas Medical Center LEND faculty alongside a group of like-minded colleagues. Time commitment varies from week to week, but in general participants can expected to spend 3-5 hours per week attending trainings or discussion, working on course activities, and/or receiving consultation.
Over the 6-month period, you will:
- Attend approximately 30 hours of live training, including 2 in-person Super Saturday Workshops in Kansas City (some travel scholarships are available for those outside the Kansas City area) and several online webinars and workshops offered by LEND faculty and other experts in the field of developmental disabilities
- Complete self-directed assignments that directly apply your learning to your daily work with children
- Create your own portfolio of resources that you can use in the future
- Attend virtual discussion groups with colleagues and the LEND team
- Be connected to an online community of support to ask questions and share resources
- Receive individualized consultation to grow your skills for working with very young children with developmental disabilities such as Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome and more
After participation in this program, you will be able to:
- Identify developmental milestones, warning signs and red flags
- Positively manage behavioral challenges
- Talk with families about developmental concerns and navigate difficult conversations
- Identify and share local, state and federal resources to support families on their journey of getting access to support services.
- Utilize a portfolio of individualized strategies and resources
- And much more!
Ready to apply?
Groups of 15-20 providers will be selected each fall and spring to participate. To be considered for this opportunity, please complete the application. For priority consideration, applications are due June 10 for the fall session and December 10 for the spring session. Applications received after the deadline will be considered based on available space and offered priority consideration in the following session.
Questions?
Any questions can be sent to kansaslend@kumc.edu.
Thank you to our funders
We want to thank our funding partners KDHE and KCCTO in their generosity to help keep this training affordable to all childcare providers in Kansas.