Developmental Disabilities Specialist

The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Developmental Disabilities Specialist is designed for students interested in working in various settings serving children or adults with developmental disabilities. The coursework combines theory and application. Academic preparation focuses on the physical and emotional correlates of developmental disability. The students also complete an internship, gaining experience working in a school or agency supporting persons with developmental disability.

Details

Offered At
Glendale
Field of Interest
Behavioral Science and Human Services
Degree Type
Certificate of Completion (CCL)
Academic Plan
Developmental Disabilities Specialist (CER)
Academic Plan Code
5034
Total credits required
16-17
Catalog Year
2024-2025
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

What You'll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

  1. Describe the physiological, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive processes associated with human behavior.
  2. Describe techniques to modify human behavior, with a focus on the behavior of persons with various developmental disabilities.
  3. Describe the physical, intellectual, social, and psychological aspects of various developmental disabilities.
  4. Describe current research in the area of cause, treatment approach and service delivery which impact individuals with developmental disabilities.
  5. Describe various community resources available to individuals with developmental disabilities.
  6. Demonstrate the ability to interact appropriately in a setting providing services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities.

Successful completion of this certificate may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based wages* for this certificate. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

* Career and wage information provided by Pipeline AZ using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources. Sources

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

  • Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Pathway Planner tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
  • The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
  • Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
  • Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.

Full-time Sequence

Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology SB 3
RE Restricted Elective 3–4

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
EDU222 or
PSY243
Introduction to the Exceptional Learner or The Psychology of Developmental Disabilities C, SB or SB 3
PSY240 or
PSY266
Developmental Psychology or Psychological Disorders SB or SB 3
PSY241 Understanding and Changing Behavior SB 3
PSY244 Internship in Psychology 1

Restricted Electives

Complete one (1) of the courses listed below. Restricted electives must be different from those taken for other course requirements.

A list of additional, alternative, or supplemental courses for this pathway map
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ASL101 American Sign Language I 4
BHS170 Case Management and Clinical Documentation 3
BHS175 Trauma-Informed Care and Recovery Treatment SB 3
BHS180 Child, Family, and Adult Advocacy 3
BHS275 Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health 3
CFS112 Personal Growth and Family Relations SB 3
CFS/ECH176 Child Development SB 3
CFS205 Human Development SB 3
CFS235 Developing Child: Theory into Practice, Prenatal to Age Eight SB 3
COM110 Interpersonal Communication SB 3
FON100 Introductory Nutrition 3
PSY240 Developmental Psychology SB 3
PSY266 Psychological Disorders SB 3
SPA115 Beginning Spanish Conversation I 3
SWU171 Introduction to Social Work H, SB 3

Part-time Sequence

Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology SB 3
RE Restricted Elective 3–4

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
EDU222 or
PSY243
Introduction to the Exceptional Learner or The Psychology of Developmental Disabilities C, SB or SB 3
PSY241 Understanding and Changing Behavior SB 3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
PSY240 or
PSY266
Developmental Psychology or Psychological Disorders SB or SB 3
PSY244 Internship in Psychology 1

Restricted Electives

Complete one (1) of the courses listed below. Restricted electives must be different from those taken for other course requirements.

A list of additional, alternative, or supplemental courses for this pathway map
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ASL101 American Sign Language I 4
BHS170 Case Management and Clinical Documentation 3
BHS175 Trauma-Informed Care and Recovery Treatment SB 3
BHS180 Child, Family, and Adult Advocacy 3
BHS275 Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health 3
CFS112 Personal Growth and Family Relations SB 3
CFS/ECH176 Child Development SB 3
CFS205 Human Development SB 3
CFS235 Developing Child: Theory into Practice, Prenatal to Age Eight SB 3
COM110 Interpersonal Communication SB 3
FON100 Introductory Nutrition 3
PSY240 Developmental Psychology SB 3
PSY266 Psychological Disorders SB 3
SPA115 Beginning Spanish Conversation I 3
SWU171 Introduction to Social Work H, SB 3
Course Area Key
Disclaimer

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm?id=182595).

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.