RI Early Intervention Workforce Development Initiative
Overview of Initiative
Program Description
The URI Department of Human Development and Family Science, in collaboration with Rhode Island College, has developed a comprehensive plan to increase the number of qualified staff members in the field of Early Intervention (EI) and in careers involving children with special health care needs (CSHCN). We are diligently working towards this initiative through several strategic efforts, including offering an Early Intervention Certificate at URI, which rigorously prepares students to enter the EI workforce; conducting research initiatives in collaboration with caregivers and EI staff to identify and address areas for improvement; and educating students across the state on the importance and practice of EI.
This project is funded by the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services through the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities, at Rhode Island College and is led by Dr. Casey McGregor of URI. For more information on Early Intervention Services in Rhode Island, visit the Early Intervention Program website through The Executive Office of Health and Human Services.
What is Early Intervention?
Early Intervention is a voluntary, family-centered program that provides early identification, services, and supports to eligible infants and toddlers and their families. Early Intervention works with families whose children are experiencing developmental delays, have certain diagnosed conditions, or whose circumstances may result in significant developmental delays. The purpose of Early Intervention is to enable young children to be active and successful participants during the early years and in the future in a variety of settings-in their homes with their families, in child care, in preschool programs, and in the community. Please visit Rhode Island’s Early Intervention website for more information.
Contact Us
URI EI Recruitment and
Retention Office
2 Lower College Road
Transition Center Office 213
Kingston, RI 02881
Email: ei-group@uri.edu
You can also learn more about what EI specialists do by watching the following video:
Internship Outcomes
Since the inception of the grant in 2006, over 200 interns have been placed at various EI and CSHCN sites throughout Rhode Island. As of May 2022, 30 of these students have found permanent positions as a result of their internship.
Classroom Presentations
Recruitment efforts include classroom presentations to students in related disciplines to inform them of the availability of internships and career paths in the fields of EI and CSHCN. Students and educators have found this incredibly helpful in educating students regarding possible career interests. Our presentations are approximately 30 minutes in length, including a Q & A session, but can be tailored to fit your class schedule. Please contact our office to schedule a presentation. If you know of potential students interested in an EI internship, please have them contact our office directly.