The document discusses Rhode Island's efforts to develop certification in autism education for educators through a partnership between various state organizations and higher education institutions. A certification program was created involving an evening series of courses on autism taught with reduced tuition by Rhode Island College and the Paul Sherlock Center. The program was targeted towards administrators, teachers, and other professionals with at least 3 years experience, and included practicum experiences observing children with autism.

1. Partnering with Educators to
Develop Certification in Autism
Education for Educators
Rhode Island Experience

2. RI Commission of Educating Children
with Autism
• State Legislators
• Higher Education/UCED
• Parent Groups
• Educators – Public and Private
• DOE
• DOH – CSHCN
• DHS – EI
• Pediatricians ‐ DBP

3. Certification in Autism Education
• Evening series of courses offered by RI
College/Paul Sherlock Center – reduced tuition
• Administrators, Teachers, SPL, Social workers, OTs
with minimum 3 years experience
• DBP partnered in curriculum development –
neurobiology, medications, seizures, GI, sleep,
immunizations, CAM (taught by DBP fellows)
• Practicum experiences included observing
children with autism to determine level of need
and whether needs are addressed