MDC’s School of Education Offers Tuition Support for Autism and Pre-K Disabilities Endorsements
Miami, November 9, 2012 -
Miami Dade College’s(MDC) School of Education is now offering tuition support for teachers interested in earning Autism and/or Prekindergarten Disabilities endorsements. Working teachers and graduates with a bachelor’s degree in education with a certificate in exceptional student education are eligible.
The endorsement for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) prepares teachers and bachelor in education degree-holders to work with students who have ASD. The Prekindergarten Disabilities endorsement is designed for those who want to work with special needs children ages 3 to third grade.
To meet the growing need for teachers with these specializations, the Florida Department of Education is providing financial assistance to exceptional student education, preschool and early childhood teachers who are teaching children identified as having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Prekindergarten Disabilities in a Florida public school.
Data sources show that the U.S. is experiencing a large increase in students with developmental disabilities. Between 2006 and 2008, there was a 17% increase in the number of children diagnosed with developmental disabilities compared to a decade earlier. That translates to about 1.8 million more children.
During the same time period, the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) increased by 290%, and there was a 33% increase in the incidence of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
For more information, please contact Dr. Susan Neimand, MDC School of Education director, at 305-237-6152.
Media-only contacts:
Juan Mendieta, 305-237-7611, jmendiet@mdc.edu, MDC communications director
Tere Estorino, 305-237-3949, testorin@mdc.edu, MDC media relations director
Sue Arrowsmith, 305-237-3710, sue.arrowsmith@mdc.edu, media specialist
Alejandro Rios, 305-237-7482, arios1@mdc.edu