The Primary Intervention Specialist Education (PRISE) 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 PRISE 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 PRISE 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 PRISE 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 Education (PRISE) 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 PRISE 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 Education (PRISE) concentration, please contact:
Dr. Sanna Harjusola-Webb
Dr. Ching-I Chen
Early Intervention & Early Childhood Special Education
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