Using distance education to prepare early intervention personnel

Nationwide implementation of early Intervention programs has resulted in a shortage of qualified personnel to staff positions in schools and local agencies. It has thus become necessary to train practicing personnel on the job, often in widely scattered locations. Innovative personnel preparation models using telecommunications technology and distance education formats have therefore been proposed. The Early Intervention Special Education Program at West Virginia University developed, implemented, and evaluated a distance education model using satellite broadcasts of coursework and supervised practicum experiences to train early interventionists. The success to date suggests that emerging telecommunications technologies offer a viable solution.