Current Institute Session begins April 13, 2022 - and is FILLED
Please sign up below for early notification to register for
the future sessions this year planned in late summer and early fall
Early Notification for Future Sessions
AANE (Asperger/Autism Network) in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is offering a free professional development institute for Early Childhood Educators on working with students on the autism spectrum. Participants will learn concrete classroom strategies, and are eligible for:
- 67.5 PDPs - FREE
- 3 graduate credits - $295 (through Fitchburg State University)
Join us for our Early Childhood Professional Development Program! This Institute includes live class instruction, self-paced coursework, flexible one-on-one access to the course instructor, and an educator networking chat platform.
PARTICIPANTS: This program is for all early childhood and pre-k special educators, directors, paraprofessionals, mental health and related service providers (OT, PT, SLP) working in public schools in Massachusetts.
HOST: AANE Staff
COST: Free
DESCRIPTION: Autism is neurologically-based and can affect cognition, sensory processing, communication, social and emotion development, learning, and behavior. Research has shown that early detection and supports for children can promote development and future growth. This course will help educators expand their knowledge of the stages of development and the importance of routine screenings.
The course will incorporate the tools from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and MA Act Early, as well as draw on AANE's vast experience working with and supporting families of children on the autism spectrum.
This Institute is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and is offered at no charge to educators.
SPECIAL NOTES: Participants will receive 67.5 PDPs upon completion of the course. Those seeking graduate credits will be provided the link to apply within the first two weeks of the program and must pay a $295 application fee to Fitchburg State University. To be eligible to earn PDPs/graduate credit, participants must complete all the requirements of the Institute including assignments, attendance at two full-day sessions (either in-person, virtual, or hybrid), a pre-test, a post-course assessment, and course evaluations.
Participants will need to have the ability to access Google Classroom either through permission from their districts or through a personal Gmail account. Once participants apply and are accepted, they will receive instructions on accessing the Google Classroom for this course.
If you have any questions, please contact ilia.walsh@aane.org