Development of Children with Special Needs (M.A) in memory of Devorah Margulies - About Us

The field of special needs child development has advanced rapidly over the past two decades following the establishment of many therapeutic frameworks designed for these children who need specially designed care. In addition to medicine, various professions are now involved in the treatment of children with developmental disabilities: speech therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and therapists from associated disciplines such as psychology and social work. With the growth of this field, the need arose for senior professionals who could enhance the multiprofessional services provided to these children and their families. The graduate program in “Development of Children with Special Needs” was opened in order to meet this need and provide the requisite knowledge for the development and management of multiprofessional care in this field. The program is unique in that it deals with the development of special needs children from birth until age 18.

The curriculum provides a broad view of all of the fields related to the diagnosis and therapy of children with developmental disorders. Hence, the program prepares its graduates for management positions in various units that deal with the diagnosis and care of special needs children. Moreover, students gain the ability to advise parents, who play an integral role in the care of their special needs child. Graduates of the program are better equipped to further the expertise of all of the professionals involved through staff meetings and training. The program’s broad perspective also enables students to plan and carry out multiprofessional research in the field of special needs child development, an area in which most studies are of a multidisciplinary nature.

The program is headed by Prof. Asher Ornoy, founder of the Department of Child Development and Rehabilitation at Israel’s Ministry of Health and its director for some 20 years. In this capacity he made a critical contribution to the entire statewide developmental care system, set major policies in the field during his tenure, and initiated legislation and the formulation of regulations regarding the provision of these services.

Applicants admitted to the MA program in “Development of Children with Special Needs” will be awarded a scholarship of 5,000 NIS.

Program

The program is spread out over two years with one full day of studies a week, in addition to electives, so that students with this option can earn a degree while working full-time. It includes required courses, a research seminar, a practical seminar that focuses on case studies, a practicum based on observations of the developmental care system, a capstone project and electives. A research thesis is not required. Classes provide the students with the fundamentals of each health profession as related to children with special needs and the physiological, cognitive, behavioral and emotional principles of the developmental cycle. Emphasis is placed on the centrality of multiprofessional work in the framework of the child’s development. Specialized courses are offered on common developmental and behavioral disorders that require multiprofessional treatment such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, learning disabilities, Cerebral Palsy (CP), and behavioral disorders among infants and children. In each course, the multiprofessional aspects of identification, diagnosis and treatment are highlighted. Special attention is given to the parents’ role in the daily care of the child with developmental disorders and ways in which to involve them in the therapeutic process.

Studies are spread over two years, with one full day of classes each week (Thursdays, 9:00 to 18:00). Classes are held online one Thursday a month.

Scope and Structure of Studies

Studies during the first year of the program provide a foundation for the understanding of child development and the fundamentals of a multiprofessional approach to the child with developmental disorders. The first semester is comprised of three core courses, (Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology, Growth and Development Throughout the Life Cycle, and Developmental Psychology), which establish a basis for the understanding of developmental principles, as well as a course on Parenting and the Supportive Family. During the second semester, students study subjects such as Principles of Multiprofessional System Management, Principles of Team Management, ADHD, and Quantitative Research Methodology, and in addition write a seminar paper.

In the second year, students expand their knowledge through the study of specific multiprofessional approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of common developmental disorders such as learning disabilities, autism, language and communication disorders, motor disorders. Additional subjects including emotional and family therapy and youth at risk are also part of the curriculum.

The seminar on multiprofessional research in the field of child development and the seminar research paper from year one, as well as the capstone paper during year two constitute an important component of the two-year program. The practical seminar in which students present clinical cases (year 2) offers an opportunity for theoretical training in the planning of multiprofessional care for the special needs child within the family setting. The practicum (year 2) introduces the student to the diagnostic and therapeutical practices of the various health professions as well as to the multiprofessional processes for treating the special needs child. In addition, this experience exposes the student to the role of multiprofessional team managers.

The program does not require a thesis.

Who is the program designed for?

“Development of Children with Special Needs” MA program is intended for students with at least a first degree in a health-related discipline: occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, social work, nursing, special education, medicine and therapeutic professions connected to creativity and expression. Should students from related professions be interested in joining the program, admissions will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

The program is designed for health professionals with a first degree or higher who are interested and employed in the field of child development, especially within the context of special needs children, and wish to deepen their knowledge in these areas, primarily with regard to the multiprofessional treatment and research of children with special needs.

The program offers a unique opportunity for professionals who hold managerial positions in institutions that support children with developmental disabilities, rehabilitative day-care centers, or preschool centers, and those who seek managerial positions and wish to expand their knowledge and acquire the tools needed to administer multiprofessional systems which care for special needs children. The program also trains experienced professionals to serve as case managers for children with multiple developmental challenges.

Conclusion of Studies

Those who complete the program are expected to gain a deeper and broader understanding of the field than professionals, even those with work experience, who completed their studies in the respective disciplines. Graduates will be able to meet the numerous demands required by integrated multiprofessional care for children with complex developmental delay and their families. These students will also be qualified professionally to take on many of the managerial positions in institutions that support children with developmental disabilities and rehabilitative day-care centers, including preschool centers that operate as part of the national program for children at risk. Graduates will also become familiar with the basic research principles regarding the diagnosis and treatment of children with special needs, especially in the area of multiprofessional research.