Beginning this summer, Fairfield University's Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions (GSEAP) will offer five new Advanced Training Certificates (ATC) for professionals who wish to enhance their skills and broaden their career horizons. The new certificates are: Applied Behavior Analysis, Early Childhood Studies, Integration of Spirituality & Religion in Counseling, School-Based Marriage & Family Therapy, and Substance Abuse Counseling.

"A goal of the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions is to provide career development programs to professionals in the state and region," said Susan Franzosa, dean of the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions. To that end, the School offers flexible, part-time schedules with evening courses. Fairfield also boasts small class sizes in its fully accredited programs.

Both matriculated and non-matriculated students may register for the new ATCs; however, all but Early Childhood Studies require a master's degree. Each three-credit course costs $1,800.

• Applied Behavior Analysis is a three-course, nine-credit program providing in-depth training in behavioral strategies and applied behavior analysis (ABA) now required by Connecticut law for those working with children with autism spectrum disorder. It is intended for those who hold a master's degree and are certified to work in public schools. Potential students include those in school psychology, special education, and school counseling, and school psychologists in the field who need more training in ABA for their professional certification.

• Early Childhood Studies is a three-course, nine-credit program designed for elementary education teachers currently working in Pre-K sites who wish to advance in their employment; candidates already in Fairfield's teacher education program who seek additional expertise in early childhood education; and child services agencies, daycare providers, and preschools who wish additional foundational training for their bachelor's degree-qualified staff.

• Integration of Spirituality & Religion in Counseling is an 18-credit, six-course program based on the nine competencies identified by the Association of Spiritual, Ethical and Religious Values in Counseling, a division of the American Counseling Association. GSEAP's counseling accreditation entity, the Council on Accrediting Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has encouraged programs to infuse and integrate these competencies into curriculum. Students will study issues such as grief and loss, multicultural perspectives, trauma, spirituality and wellness, and spiritual interventions.

• School-based Marriage & Family Therapy is a seven-course, 21-credit program to prepare candidates to use their knowledge and training as marriage and family therapists to work within the public school systems in fulfillment of the certification requirements of the State Board of Education. The program is available to current MFT students and to graduates of COAMFTE-accredited programs. Completion of this program leads to eligibility for state certification.

• Substance Abuse Counseling is an18-credit, six-course program based on competencies established by the Connecticut Certificate Board for Drugs and Alcohol Counseling. Completion of these courses is required in order to sit for the certification exam that leads to licensing as a licensed or certified alcohol/drug abuse counselor. Required supervised training is not provided through this program.

Registration is open now for summer courses in each of these certificate tracks. The School will offer a selection of required courses for each ATC every semester. To learn more or to apply, visit http://www.fairfield.edu/atc .

Posted On: 05-17-2011 11:05 AM

Volume: 43 Number: 306