Children with Special Health Care Needs Certificate Program

The Children with Special Health Care Needs Certificate Program is one part of the Leadership Education and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Training Program based at the Westchester Institute for Human Development. The LEND program is a collaborative learning experience. Participants build knowledge, skills and values that prepare them to assume leadership roles in disabilities-related systems of care and in the policy and advocacy arena.

The LEND Program is funded by the federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau. The program aims to improve the health of children with disabilities by preparing trainees from diverse disciplines to assume leadership roles.

The 15-credit Children with Special Health Care Needs Program prepares you to address this important area of public health. This certificate allows both working professionals with an advanced degree and graduate students to specialize further in caring for children with disabilities. In this program, you’ll learn to address special health care needs at the state and federal level as an emerging leader in the field. This certificate is offered by the Center on Disability and Health in the Institute of Public Health at New York Medical College.

Program Format

The Children with Special Health Care Needs 15-Credit program takes place over two semesters, from September to May. Classes meet from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every Thursday during the academic year, excluding holidays.

Curriculum

Overview of Neurodevelopmental Disabilities I & II (6 credits)

This course examines issues related to assessment and treatment of children with, or at risk for, neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families. It examines the broad context of healthcare systems and service delivery for children with disabilities from birth through adolescence. The curriculum focuses on building in-depth knowledge of childhood disabilities and the systems of care that serve children with disabilities. Students learn the importance of working in a culturally competent and interdisciplinary manner and in partnership with families. The population-based, public health perspective has a central role in the curriculum. Course modules address topics such as early childhood and early intervention, family partnerships and family-centered practice, policy and advocacy, vulnerable childhood populations, and the process of transition. Several students per year are funded to attend the National Disabilities Policy Seminar.

Interdisciplinary Leadership Seminar I & II (3 credits)

This series of seminars, small group discussions and case discussions, leadership projects and presentations, and field experiences promotes acquisition of interdisciplinary leadership knowledge and skills critical to providing leadership in settings serving children with special healthcare needs. Topics include communication skills, negotiation and conflict resolution, presentation skills, grant-writing, identification of funding sources, providing consultation and technical assistance, use of online resources, and career planning strategies.

Seminar in Evidence-Based Methods I & II (6 credits)

This course assists students to improve their skill with, and understanding of, evidence-based methods relevant to serving children with neurodevelopment disabilities and their families. The centerpiece is participation in weekly meetings (leader plus two to four trainees) to work on a year-long interdisciplinary group project. At the end of the program, each group prepares a poster presentation of its work and presents it locally and at the New York State Health Department. The course also includes a small number of instructional sessions that focus on specific topics and skills related to evidence-based practice.

View the Current Course Schedule

Application Requirements

Applicants seeking admission apply to LEND Program through WHID and the certificate program through NYMC:

Must be either a current graduate student in a public health program, or a health or education field OR hold a Master’s or Doctoral level degree
Must have demonstrated interest in taking on a leadership role working with and on behalf of children with disabilities and their families.
Parents or adult siblings of individuals with developmental disabilities who meet these requirements are also encouraged to apply.
Interested applicants should contact the LEND Program Director at (914) 493-8175 before submitting an application.

Tuition & Fees

LEND students are billed at the regular MPH tuition rate. There is no financial aid offered for the program, but there is a discount applied.

MPH Tuition per credit	$1,270
LEND Program Discount	$635
Tuition per credit	$635
Annual fees	$730