These programs provide pre-service training and continuing education to strengthen the capacity of personnel to promote self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets of community life.

Learn as You Earn Associate of Applied Science Degree and Certificate in Disabilities

This innovative distance delivered statewide program, developed in partnership with Prince William Sound Community College, allows students to take college courses in their home communities using audio conferencing and individualized support. Students work toward earning an Associate Degree or a Certificate in Disability Services with an emphasis on Community Support, Educational Support, or Speech-Language Support. Faculty members are practicing professionals with extensive experience providing intervention, support, and education for people with disabilities and their families.

The Special Years Courses

CHD offers college-level courses about special needs issues aimed at early childhood educators and other personnel working with young children (birth to age 8). The courses are distance delivered and designed with content relevant to both urban and rural Alaska. ECD A216 Family and Community Issues: Supporting a Child with Special Needs and ECD A217 Behavioral Health: Young Children with Special Needs are offered fall semesters. ECD A215 Introduction to Inclusive Early Education: Strategies and ECD A218 Understanding Legal and Ethical Issues: Young Children with Special Needs are offered spring semesters.

Project Success

Project Success supports Alaska Native students living in rural Alaska who are working toward their Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Education with an Emphasis in Special Needs. This distance-delivered course of study is offered through collaboration with the University of Alaska Southeast, the University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Rural Alaska and the University of Alaska Anchorage. The degree is beneficial for individuals working in early childhood settings like school districts, Head Start, Early Intervention, and childcare programs.

Masters Degree in Early Childhood Special Education/Early Intervention

This Masters Degree program provides distance-delivered training, individualized training, and degree plans for students seeking a specialized degree in the education of children with low-incidence disabilities including autism, fetal alcohol syndrome, and severe disorders.

College Student Opportunities

The Center offers opportunities for students from a variety of programs at UAA. Students develop skills as interns, paid staff, and volunteers. They may be involved in grantwriting, consumer support, community awareness, or research and program evaluation activities.

"The 'Learn As You Earn' program made all the difference in the world — it really impacted the way I do my job as a special education teacher assistant."

Charlene Klutz, first graduate from the A.A.S. Degree in Disability Services Program (PWSCC)