Early childhood educators interested in working with very young children with disabilities and their families have the opportunity to take a series of coursework in Developmental Therapy (DT) leading to the Developmental Therapist credential.
Developmental Therapists are assigned by the Illinois’ Early Intervention system (EI), under the Department of Health and Human Services, to provide services at homes or in child intervention centers and hospitals. Provider Connections is contracted to review applications and grant credentials for professionals working in Early Intervention. The review process includes an examination of transcripts to ensure appropriate training in the area of infant and toddlers assessment and intervention and working with families. Individuals interested in becoming a developmental therapist need to have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or in child development, with specific courses in infancy and their families. An early childhood teaching license is desired, but not required.
Courses within DePaul's Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Master of Education in Early Childhood Education programs have been approved for earning Developmental Therapy credentials. Students interested in pursuing the DT credential as a part of those programs can find more information within their specific degrees linked above.
Provided that all prerequisites have been met, non-DePaul students can expect to complete the coursework within one academic year provided they take at least one course per term.
Requirements for Developmental Therapy Credential
Interested applicants must complete an application for “non-degree” students and submit to the Office of Graduate Admission.
If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact Graduate Admission:
DePaul University
College of Education
2400 North Sheffield Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614-3250
Phone: (773) 325-4405
Outside Illinois: (800) 4-DePaul
edgradadmissions@depaul.edu