Henderson State's Developmental Therapy program prepares professionals to support infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities, as well as their families within early intervention. Students learn family coaching, routine-based intervention, natural environment instruction, developmental assessment, and early intervention law.
Our online courses are designed for working adults and include weekly interactive learning with applied fieldwork arranged in each student’s community.
Online Format
- Live and on-demand online learning
- Practicum and fieldwork hours arranged near where students live
- Small, supportive cohorts build strong faculty and peer relationships
Why Henderson State for Developmental Therapy
- Online courses with regular interaction and faculty support
- Fieldwork arranged where students live, including rural and underserved areas
- Strong reputation in Arkansas early intervention
- Flexible format designed for working adults
- Clear and supported pathways to developmental therapy certification
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Entrance interview with Program Coordinator
- Resume and short interest statement
Scholarships
Two scholarships are available for students in the Master of Science in Developmental Therapy program:
- Linus and Iva Morton Scholarship provides $100 for the spring and fall semesters
- Charles and Louise Durkee Scholarship provides $500 for the fall and spring semesters
Students may apply for the scholarships through the Henderson Foundation scholarship portal.
Classes
Master of Science
In order to earn your M.S. in Developmental Therapy, you will complete 10 courses for a total of 30 credit hours. This program is typically completed in 18 months.
Courses are online and include:
- SPED 67103 Early Childhood Special Education Law
- SPED 63703 Advanced Methods of Instructing Early Childhood Students with High Incidence Disabilities
- SPED 63503 Advanced Studies in Early Childhood Special Education
- SPED 50403 Early Childhood Diagnostic Assessment
- SPED 50983 Collaboration with Families and Professionals
- SPED 54903 Introduction to Autism Disorders
- SPED 64903 Advanced Strategies in Early Intervention
- SPED 65203 Advanced Methods of Instructing Early Childhood Students with Low Incidence Disabilities
- SPED 63803 Early Childhood Positive Behavior Supports
- SPED 67303 Applied Fieldwork in Early Intervention
A Developmental Therapy graduate certificate is also available for individuals pursuing Arkansas developmental therapy certification. This certificate is completed through 5 courses for a total of 15 credit hours. The certificate's coursework is offered online with a local practicum required, and may be applied toward the M.S. in Developmental Therapy.
Courses are online and include:
- SPED 63703 Advanced Methods of Instructing Early Childhood Students with High Incidence Disabilities
- SPED 64903 Advanced Strategies in Early Intervention
- SPED 50403 Early Childhood Diagnostic Assessment
- SPED 67103 Early Childhood Special Education Law
- SPED 67303 Applied Fieldwork in Early Intervention
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I work while completing this program?
- Yes. Courses are online and designed with working adults in mind.
- How does practicum work if I am working full-time?
- The practicum is completed over sixty hours during the course of the semester, making it manageable for students who work full-time. Most students complete their hours in short blocks during the week or in scheduled visits with a local early intervention provider. You will work with the coordinator to create a plan that aligns with your job, location, and availability. Because the hours are flexible and spread out across the semester, many students complete the practicum while continuing their full-time employment.
- Are field hours completed locally?
- Yes. Applied fieldwork hours are arranged near the students' residences.
- May I begin with the certificate and then proceed to the master’s?
- Yes. Certificate coursework applies toward the Master of Science in Developmental Therapy.
Contact
Kristin Dickerson
Instructor of Special Education
870-230-5325
Dr. Charlotte White-Wright
Dean, Teachers College
870-230-5160