Project Description:
Georgetown University UCEDD will recruit, retain, and prepare one fellow from a racial/ethnically diverse background to assume leadership in early intervention for children and families from high risk urban areas experiencing health disparities due to background, disability, and social risk status. The fellow will receive didactic, service provision, and leadership training through a) earning the GU Certificate in Early Intervention; b) mentoring to promote interdisciplinary service in community based early childhood programs; c) completing a community-based leadership capstone project focusing on the intersection of disability, diversity, disparity, and cultural competence; d) participating in the AUCD Leadership Academy. The fellow will engage with local, regional, and national networks of providers, advocates, administrators, and government officials to exchange information, knowledge, and strategies that support AIDD diversity objectives. The goal is to develop a Fellowship program that prepares professionals to deliver evidenced based, culturally and linguistically competent early childhood intervention to children and families in high risk urban areas. The objectives are to a) recruit one trainee from a racial or ethnically diverse background; b) train her/him to promote community based early intervention; c) mentor her/him becoming a leader in the field of developmental disabilities by completing a capstone project, participating in the AUCD Leadership Academy and other events. The anticipated outcome is that children with developmental disabilities and/or delays and their families in high risk urban areas will receive services from a highly trained, culturally and linguistically competent interventionist who also will influence policy and practice in early intervention. The expected product includes a manual focusing on the intersection of diversity and disparities with early childhood development.
