Certificate: Severe Special Needs
Off-site Program at The New England Center for Children (NECC)
Faculty
Christine Evans, Associate Professor of Practice, Director of the New England Center for Children Program
Heather Fortin, Assistant Professor of Practice, Practicum Coordinator, The New England Center for Children Program
Description
Simmons University and The New England Center for Children (NECC) have collaborated to offer a Post Master’s Licensure Certificate in Severe Special Needs Program for NECC employees who have previously obtained a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and Board Certification as a Behavior Analyst.
The program consists of academic courses and a full year, full time practicum experience providing direct instruction with learners in the licensure area sought. Detailed practicum requirements will be provided upon applying to the program. All the requirements can be completed in five semesters. Prior to entering the final two semester practicum experience, teacher licensure candidates are required to pass the Communication and Literacy and the General Curriculum tests of the Massachusetts’ state licensure exam.
Learning Outcomes
The Certificate in Severe Special Needs addresses Subject Matter Knowledge and Professional Standards for Teachers required by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Requirements for Entry into the Program
Applicants must hold a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis or an approved related field of study from an accredited college or university. All grade point averages are considered, but a B (3.0) average or higher is preferred.
Program Requirements
Requirements List
30 credits of coursework including a practicum experience.
| SPND 400DL | Digital Literacy Modules | 0 |
| SPND 490 | Introduction to Exceptionalities | 4 |
| SPND 443 | Special Education Laws, Regulations, and Process for Teachers | 4.00 |
| SPND 492 | Assessment and Curriculum Modification for Learners With Autism | 4 |
| RDG 410 | Multisensory Structured Language Strategies for Reading | 4.00 |
| SPND 448 | Foundations of Transition Education & Services | 4.00 |
| TESL 417 | Sheltered English Instruction | 4.00 |
| SPND 498 | Seminar / Autism I | 2 |
| SPND 496 | Practicum: Severe Disabilities / Autism I | 2 |
| SPND 499 | Seminar/Autism II | 2 |
| SPND 497 | Practicum: Severe Disabilities/Autism II | 2 |