The Georgetown University Certificate in Early Intervention prepares OTs, PTs, SLPs, special educators, and early childhood professionals to lead in early intervention.
Program Overview
The Georgetown University Certificate in Early Intervention is a 10-month hybrid certificate program that prepares OTs, PTs, SLPs, special educators, and early childhood professionals with the knowledge, skills, and credential to deliver contemporary, evidence-based early intervention (EI). Offered through the Georgetown Thrive Center for Children, Families, and Communities, the program is the longest-running certificate program dedicated solely to early intervention in the country. The Thrive Center is also a designated University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD).
In the program, you will engage with subject matter experts and faculty who are active practitioners in the field — not just instructors. You will learn alongside an interdisciplinary cohort, developing the kind of cross-disciplinary fluency that defines effective EI teams. You will leave the program with the values, skills, and knowledge to intervene effectively and support young children and their families.
Federal funding may be available for eligible students in their final year of an OT, PT, SLP, or special education preparation program at a U.S. university — covering full tuition plus a stipend. Contact us to learn more.
Upon successful completion of the certificate, you will be able to:
- Assess and promote the social, emotional, developmental, and behavioral health of infants, toddlers, and young children in partnership with families
- Identify developmental, behavioral, and emotional concerns early, accurately, and with cultural and linguistic competence
- Intervene effectively in natural environments using evidence-based early intervention practices
- Develop meaningful, participation-based outcomes and manage effective systems of support and services
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary EI teams using a primary service provider approach
- Apply leadership skills to advocate for young children and families in EI systems
This program has equipped me with the appropriate knowledge and resources to enhance both my narrative and clinical reasoning skills to holistically connect with families.
Lashandra Russell
Certificate in Early Intervention
Curriculum & Schedule
Our classes are taught online in real-time by Georgetown instructors using Zoom video conferencing. They are designed to provide our professional learners with a high-quality, engaging educational experience.
You must successfully complete all nine required courses for a total of 20.00 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), equivalent to 200.0 contact hours. All nine courses must be completed within the 10-month timeframe. For more information, please contact the program team at gucei@georgetown.edu.
- Foundations of Early Intervention (2 CEUs)
- Serving Children with High-Intensity Disabilities in the Natural Environment (2 CEUs)
- Providing Services to Young Children (3 CEUs)
- Gathering Information to Determine Eligibility (3 CEUs)
- Special Topics in Early Intervention (1 CEU)
- Integrated Practices in Early Childhood (3 CEUs)
- Administration and Leadership in Early Intervention (3 CEUs)
- Practice Applications in Early Intervention (1 CEU)
- Capstone Course in Early Intervention, Parts I and II (2 CEUs)
What Is Live Online Learning?
Live online instruction is enhanced by incorporating various instructional practices and technology tools. Features such as Zoom video conferencing, breakout rooms, and chat allow for real-time interaction and collaboration among learners. Tools like Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Canvas Groups facilitate teamwork and information sharing within the learning community. Polling, surveys, and threaded discussion boards promote active engagement and the expression of opinions. It is important to foster social respect, privacy, and incorporate Jesuit values to create a supportive and inclusive online environment. By utilizing these practices and tools effectively, live online instruction can be engaging, interactive, and conducive to meaningful learning experiences.
What Is On-Campus Learning?
On-Campus programs combine traditional classroom learning with interactive experiential methodology. Classes typically meet for two or three consecutive days once a month at our downtown Washington, D.C., campus.
| Course Name | CEUs | 2026-27 Dates | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundations of Early Intervention | 2 | October 3, 2026 | In-Person All Day |
| Providing Services to Young Children | 3 | September 28 – December 11, 2026 | Online |
| Gathering Information to Determine Eligibility and to Program Plan | 3 | September 28 – December 11, 2026 | Online |
| Special Topics in Early Intervention | 2 | January 15, 2027 | Virtual All-Day Webinar |
| Integrated Practices in Early Childhood | 3 | January 11 – April 9, 2027 | Online |
| Administration & Leadership in Early Intervention | 3 | February 22 – May 14, 2027 | Online |
| Administration & Leadership in Early Intervention (workshop) | Leadership Workshop: March 13, 2027 (Virtual) | Virtual All-Day Retreat | |
| Practice Applications in Early Intervention | 2 | May 21, 2027 | In-Person All-Day Conference |
| Capstone Course in Early Intervention, Parts I & II | 2 | 1: September 28 – December 11, 2026 2: January 11 – May 21, 2027 | Online |
Mandatory Events — All Students:
- Fall Orientation (in-person, Washington, D.C.)
- Spring Orientation (virtual, full day)
- Leadership Workshop (virtual, full day)
- EI Conference and Graduation (in-person, Washington, D.C.)
Practicum (federally funded students only):
- 4-week supervised in-person practicum at an active EI site
What to Expect
The Georgetown University Certificate in Early Intervention is a 10-month hybrid program — primarily asynchronous online coursework with weekly synchronous sessions on Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Students typically spend 3 to 5 hours per week in individual and group online activities.
Students enrolled through the federal funding pathway also complete a supervised 4-week in-person practicum at an active early intervention site in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area (April 19 – May 14, 2027).
Students are also required to complete a Capstone project across both semesters, demonstrating the integration of knowledge and skills developed throughout the program.
Application Dates
Fall Cohort
Application Opens—March 2026
- Deadline—Aug 1
Program Prerequisites
Applicants must hold or be currently completing a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. The program is designed for professionals in occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, special education, and early childhood education, as well as related fields including social work, psychology, and healthcare.
For each cohort, an application review committee offers admission to a diverse group of students to enrich the interdisciplinary learning experience. Applications require an online application form, a personal statement, and a current resume or CV.
Please review the refund policies in our Student Handbook before completing your registration.
Degree Requirement
You must hold a bachelor's degree or the equivalent in order to enroll in our certificate programs. For each cohort, an application review committee offers admission to a diverse group of students to enrich the classroom experience.
Tips for the Online Application
- Our online application securely stores your information and saves your progress so you can update and complete your information at your convenience
- Click the “SAVE” button at each stage of the application process to ensure that your work and documents are uploaded
International Students
We welcome applications from students and professionals located anywhere in the world. The program is primarily online, making it accessible regardless of location. All students must be able to attend two required in-person events in Washington, D.C. (October 3, 2026, and May 21, 2027).
Students who enter the U.S. on a valid visa are eligible to enroll. Georgetown University cannot sponsor student visas for noncredit professional certificate programs. A TOEFL examination is not required, but students must be able to read, write, and comprehend English at the graduate level.
Tuition & Funding
The total tuition for this program is $6,000. All course materials are included with the tuition.
Funding
Noncredit professional certificates do not qualify for federal financial aid, scholarships, grants, or needs-based aid. However, several finance and funding options do exist, as listed below.
Some employers offer funding for employee education or professional development. If an employer guarantees payment for employee education and training, Georgetown will accept an Intent to Pay form. If you are using employer sponsorship or training authorizations, you must submit an Intent to Pay form with your registration.
If your employer will pay for your tuition, select “Third-Party Billing” as your method of payment when you register for courses online. Please submit an Intent to Pay form indicating that your employer or another third party should be billed for tuition. Invoices will not be generated without this form on file.
Federal agencies may:
- Pay training and education expenses from appropriated funds or other available funds for training needed to support program functions
- Reimburse employees for all or part of the costs of training or education
- Share training and education costs with employees
- Pay travel expenses for employees assigned to training
- Adjust an employee's normal work schedule for educational purposes not related to official duties
Georgetown accepts Standard Form-182 (SF-182) for training authorizations from the federal government.
*Federal employees should ask the appropriate budget officer about training budgets available.
Eligible Georgetown employees may use their Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) benefits to fund 90% of the certificate program tuition—employees will be invoiced for the remaining 10% of tuition and must pay any other charges associated with their certificate program. Employees using TAP benefits may work directly with the HR Benefits Office to ensure payment prior to the start of any course. This payment option is only valid if registration occurs at least 10–14 business days prior to the start date of the first course. Any fees incurred due to course withdrawal are the student’s responsibility and are not funded by Georgetown University TAP. For questions regarding TAP benefits, please contact the HR/Benefits Office at tapbenefits@georgetown.edu or (202) 687-2500.
The professional certificate programs offer an interest-free payment plan for certificate programs that are more than one month in duration and for which the total tuition is greater than or equal to $4,000. The payment plan is structured in the following manner:
- Payment #1: A down payment of 25% of the total tuition balance must be paid online (within 72 hours after you register and select Payment Plan) via the Noncredit Student Portal. Please submit your down payment as soon as possible.
- Payments #2, #3, and #4: Your remaining balance will be due in three (3) equal monthly installments beginning 30 calendar days after your down payment is processed. Your monthly payments must be paid via credit card in the Noncredit Student Portal. You will be able to access each invoice and payment due date in your student account.
- PLEASE NOTE: Automatic Payment Service is not available. You must make each subsequent payment via the Noncredit Student Portal.
A number of tuition benefits are available through the Department of Veterans Affairs and under various parts of the GI Bill®. Please visit the Resources for Military Students page for additional information and instructions.
Federal Grant Funding for Eligible Students
A limited number of federally funded positions may be available for students in the final year of an occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, or special education professional preparation program at a US university. Eligible students may receive full tuition coverage plus a financial stipend.
Federal funding is subject to availability and eligibility requirements. Students must be enrolled in a qualifying professional preparation program and entering their final year of study. To inquire about availability and eligibility for the current cycle, contact the program team at gucei@georgetown.edu.
Tuition Discounts
Only one tuition discount may be applied at the time of registration. Tuition discounts cannot be combined. Tuition discounts are not applied retroactively. Please contact pdcprograms@georgetown.edu with any questions.
Employees of Boeing receive a 10% tuition discount on select programs and courses
Employees of companies that belong to the EdAssist education network may receive a 10% tuition discount on select programs and courses. Contact EdAssist directly to find out if you qualify.
Total program tuition for all nine required courses is $6,000. Textbooks are not included. An interest-free payment plan is available for qualifying students.
Still Have Questions?
Certificate Admissions and Enrollment
Maya Coleman, Director, Georgetown University Certificate in Early Intervention
Email: gucei@georgetown.edu
Website: learningei.georgetown.edu
Phone: (202) 687-7000
