Thrive Center for Children, Families, and Communities
Thrive Center for Children, Families, and Communities

Certificate in Early Intervention

The Georgetown University Certificate in Early Intervention prepares OTs, PT,s, SLPs, special educators, and other allied early intervention providers with the expertise, credential, and cross-disciplinary fluency to lead in early intervention, one of the most specialized and rewarding areas of early childhood practice.

A group of fourteen women pose together at what appears to be a graduation or certificate ceremony, standing in front of a cream-colored wall with decorative moldings. They are arranged in two rows and dressed professionally in various outfits including dresses, blazers and business wear in colors like red, black, white and polka dots. Some wear name badges. Behind them are visible what appear to be academic or informational posters mounted on the wall.

“This program was life-changing. I came in thinking I knew EI, and I left understanding what it truly means to serve families.”

Deitra, Speech-Language Pathologist

Program at a Glance

Ideal For
OTs, PTs, SLPs, special educators, and early childhood professionals
Duration9 courses over 10 months
Tuition$6,000. Interest-free payment plan available. Federal funding available for eligible students
FormatHybrid: primarily online with 2 required in-person days in Washington, DC
Weekly Commitment3 to 5 hours per week in asynchronous coursework plus Thursday evening live sessions (7:00 to 8:30 PM ET)
Semester of EntryFall (application deadline: August 1)

Program Overview

The Georgetown University Certificate in Early Intervention (GUCEI) is a 10-month hybrid certificate program that prepares occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, special educators, and early childhood professionals with the knowledge, skills, and credential to deliver contemporary, evidence-based early intervention for infants, toddlers, and young children with disabilities or developmental delays.

Offered through the Georgetown University Thrive Center for Children, Families, and Communities, GUCEI is the longest-running certificate program in the country dedicated solely to early intervention. The Thrive Center is a designated University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), placing this program within a nationally recognized hub for developmental disabilities research, training, and community engagement.

In GUCEI, you learn from subject matter experts and faculty who are active practitioners in the field, not just instructors. You learn alongside an interdisciplinary cohort of OT, PT, SLP, and special education peers, developing the kind of cross-disciplinary fluency that defines effective early intervention teams. You leave the program with a Georgetown University credential and the values, skills, and knowledge to intervene effectively and support young children and their families.

Federal funding may be available for eligible students in the final year of an OT, PT, SLP, or special education preparation program at a US university, covering full tuition plus a stipend. Contact us to learn more.



What You Will Learn

Family-Centered Health PromotionAssess and promote the social, emotional, developmental, and behavioral health of infants, toddlers, and young children in partnership with families
Early & Culturally Responsive IdentificationIdentify developmental, behavioral, and emotional concerns early, accurately, and with cultural and linguistic competence
Evidence-Based Early InterventionIntervene effectively in natural environments using evidence-based early intervention practices
Outcome Planning & Service CoordinationDevelop meaningful, participation-based outcomes and manage effective systems of supports and services
Interdisciplinary Team CollaborationCollaborate with interdisciplinary early intervention teams using a primary service provider approach
Leadership & Systems AdvocacyApply leadership skills to advocate for young children and families within early intervention systems


Curriculum and Schedule

CourseCEUsDates (2026-2027)Format
Foundations of Early Intervention2.0October 3, 2026In-Person, All Day
Providing Services to Young Children3.0Sept 28 – Dec 11, 2026Online
Gathering Information to Determine Eligibility and to Program Plan3.0Sept 28 – Dec 11, 2026Online
Special Topics in Early Intervention1.0January 15, 2027Virtual, All Day
Integrated Practices in Early Childhood3.0Jan 11 – April 9, 2027Online
Administration & Leadership in Early Intervention3.0Feb 22 – May 14, 2027Online
Leadership Workshop/Retreat—March 13, 2027Virtual, All Day
Practice Applications in Early Intervention1.0May 21, 2027In-Person, All Day
Capstone Course in EI, Parts I & II2.0 eachPart I: Sept 28 – Dec 11, 2026; Part II: Jan 11 – May 21, 2027Online

Total: 20 CEUs (200 contact hours)


Mandatory Dates for Students


Practicum (Federally Funded Students Only)

April 19 to May 14, 2027: A four-week supervised in-person practicum at an active early intervention site in the Washington, DC metropolitan area

“The professors acted more as mentors than instructors. They genuinely cared about our growth as professionals and as people.”

Anika, Occupational Therapist

What to Expect

GUCEI is a 10-month hybrid program. Most coursework is asynchronous and online, meaning you complete readings, modules, and assignments on your own schedule each week. In addition, the full cohort meets for live synchronous sessions on Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 PM ET throughout the academic year.

Most students spend 3 to 5 hours per week on individual and group online activities, in addition to the weekly live session. The program is designed for working professionals and is manageable alongside a full-time clinical or teaching schedule.

Two in-person days in Washington, DC are required: Fall Orientation in October and the EI Conference and Graduation in May. Two additional full-day events are held virtually (Spring Orientation and the Leadership Workshop). These dates are communicated before enrollment so you can plan ahead.

Students also complete a Capstone project across both semesters, demonstrating the integration of knowledge and skills developed throughout the program. The Capstone culminates in a professional poster presentation at the EI Conference.

Students enrolled through the federal funding pathway complete an additional four-week supervised in-person practicum at an active early intervention site in the Washington, DC metro area during April and May.



Who Is This Program For?


Working Professionals

Practicing OTs, PTs, SLPs, special educators, early childhood educators, service coordinators, administrators, and other early childhood professionals who want to deepen their expertise in contemporary early intervention. Whether you are new to EI or have years of experience, the program builds on your existing knowledge and prepares you to lead.

Students in Professional Programs

Graduate and undergraduate students in the final year of an occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, or special education preparation program at a US university. Federally funded positions may be available for eligible students, covering full tuition and providing a financial stipend.



Faculty and Program Leadership

Maya Coleman, Director

Maya Coleman is the Director of the Georgetown University Certificate in Early Intervention. She is also the Director of Reflective Practice for the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program and Executive Director of Hand in Hand Parenting. Maya brings extensive expertise in reflective practice, leadership development, and infant and early childhood mental health to her leadership of the program.

Contact: mbc121@georgetown.edu

Faculty Page

Jennifer Drake-Croft, MSSW, IECMH-E®, Deputy Project Director

Jennifer Drake-Croft is the Deputy Project Director for GUCEI and an Assistant Professor at the Georgetown University Thrive Center. She brings expertise in early childhood systems building, infant and early childhood mental health, and workforce development. Jennifer coordinates program operations, recruitment, and student support.

Contact: jad421@georgetown.edu

Faculty Page

Rachel Brady

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics

Toby Long

Professor of Pediatrics
Director of Workforce Development, Education, and Training, Thrive Center for Children, Families, and Communities

Jamie Holloway

Adjunct Lecturer- SCS CCPE | Discipline Coordinator

Ellen Kagen Waghelstein

Adjunct Assistant Professor

Ashley Nartley

Adjunct Lecturer – SCS CCPE | Discipline Coordinator

Karin Spencer

Adjunct Lecturer – SCS CCPE

Pamala Trivedi

Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Director, Georgetown University Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (GULEND); Associate Director, Georgetown University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (GUCEDD)

Marisa Birkmeier

Director of the Physical Therapy Program, George Washington University


Tuition and Funding

Program Tuition


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.

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.

“I left this program a more confident, capable professional. The interdisciplinary cohort taught me as much as the coursework did.”

Ehvyn, Physical Therapist

How to Apply



Who Can Apply

Applicants must hold or be currently completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. The program is designed for professionals and students 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.

What You Need to Apply

International Students

GUCEI welcomes 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, DC: Fall Orientation (October 3, 2026) and the EI Conference and Graduation (May 21, 2027). If you have any questions or concerns about this requirement, please contact us.

Students who enter the United States 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.



Still Have Questions? Contact Us


Director: Maya Coleman
Email: gucei@georgetown.edu
Website: learningei.georgetown.edu
Phone: (202) 687-7000