Developmental Disabilities Specialist

The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Developmental Disabilities Specialist is designed for students interested in working in various settings serving children or adults with developmental disabilities. The coursework combines theory and application. Academic preparation focuses on the physical and emotional correlates of developmental disability. The students also complete an internship, gaining experience working in a school or agency supporting persons with developmental disability.

Details

Field of Interest
Behavioral Science and Human Services
Degree Type
Certificate of Completion (CCL)
Academic Plan
Developmental Disabilities Specialist (CER)
Academic Plan Code
5034
Total credits required
16-17
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

What You'll Learn
  • Describe the physiological, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive processes associated with human behavior. (CFS112, CFS/ECH176, CFS205, CFS235, PSY101, PSY240, PSY266)
  • Describe techniques to modify human behavior, with a focus on the behavior of persons with various developmental disabilities. (PSY241)
  • Describe the physical, intellectual, social, and psychological aspects of various developmental disabilities. (BHS175, BHS275, EDU222, PSY243)
  • Describe current research in the area of cause, treatment approach and service delivery which impact individuals with developmental disabilities. (BHS175, BHS275, EDU222, PSY243, SWU171)
  • Describe various community resources available to individuals with developmental disabilities. (BHS175, BHS180, BHS275, EDU222, PSY243, SWU171)
  • Demonstrate the ability to interact appropriately in a setting providing services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities. (ASL101, BHS170, BHS175, BHS180, BHS275, COM110, FON100, PSY244, SPA115, SWU171)
Required courses
Course #Course TitleCredits
Credits:13
EDU222Introduction to the Exceptional Learner (3) OR
PSY243The Psychology of Developmental Disabilities (3)3
 
PSY101Introduction to Psychology3
 
PSY240Developmental Psychology (3) OR
PSY266Psychological Disorders (3)3
 
PSY241Understanding and Changing Behavior3
PSY244Internship in Psychology1

Course Sequence by Term

Restricted Electives
Course #Course TitleCredits
Credits:3-4
Complete one (1) of the courses listed below. Course selection must be different from courses counted in the Required Courses area.
 
ASL101American Sign Language I4
BHS170Case Management and Clinical Documentation3
BHS175Trauma-Informed Care and Recovery Treatment3
BHS180Child, Family, and Adult Advocacy3
BHS275Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health3
CFS112Personal Growth and Family Relations3
CFS/ECH176Child Development3
CFS205Human Development3
CFS235Developing Child: Theory into Practice, Prenatal to Age Eight3
COM110Interpersonal Communication3
FON100Introductory Nutrition3
PSY240Developmental Psychology3
PSY266Psychological Disorders3
SPA115Beginning Spanish Conversation I3
SWU171Introduction to Social Work3

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.