Direct Support Professional II

Direct Support Professional Microcredentials 

A partnership between New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the State University of New York (SUNY) has been established, supporting the academic and career success of Direct Support Professionals across New York State.

Participants will earn national certification from the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) through NADSP-accredited microcredentials. The two-tiered credential program at Nassau Community College includes Direct Support Professional I (DSP-I) and Direct Support Professional II (DSP-II). 

Over the course of your studies, you have the potential to earn up to 13 credits, in addition to more than 50 different industry-recognized badges to demonstrate new proficiencies as you acquire them.  If you are brand new to the field, you will be placed in an internship where you will be able to practice your skills.

Earn NADSP Certifications and SUNY Microcredentials

Successful completion of the program will give the student:

• A SUNY microcredential in the developmental disability field, with up to 13 accredited and transferable academic credits that can be applied to future certificates and degrees at a number of institutions including the Disability Studies Certificate and A.A. programs at Nassau Community College.
• A nationally-recognized certification by NADSP for DSP-I and DSP-II.
• A $750 incentive for eligible students upon successful completion of each microcredential and related certification (eligible students may receive the incentive for every level of microcredential, DSP-I and DSP-II).
• On-site academic support where you can earn while you learn. For those currently not employed as a Direct Support Professional, work-based learning opportunities will be available through internship assignments.

Direct Support Professional II

The curriculum presented in Direct Support Professional II microcredential aligns with the national certification offered to Direct Support Professionals through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). This microcredential provides the student the opportunity to apply for DSP II level II certification; successful completion of the Direct Support Professional I microcredential is a pre-requisite. Fifteen competency areas have been approved by the NADSP Board of Directors. These competency areas allow direct support professionals to meet the industry demand for quality care of the populations they serve. Additionally, each competency area outlines specific observable skills that should be demonstrated by the direct support professional. For level II certification, 100 accredited educational hours in aaddition to the following competency areas are required: evaluation and observation, communication, professionalism and ethics, and community inclusion and networking. 

DSP-II Microcredential Learning Outcomes:

• Highlight the important characteristics of observation, assessment, documentation, and evaluation.
• Establish ethical tenets rooted in national best practices.
• Demonstrate familiarity with disability services systems.
• Apply legal requirements concerning the confidentiality and privacy of client information to work situations.
• Demonstrate coherent college-level oral communication that informs, persuades, or otherwise engages an audience.
• Evaluate communication for substance, bias, and intended effect.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how to apply principles of a professional Code of Ethics in working in Human Services.
• Demonstrate the ability to listen, paraphrase and problem solve.
  
  

Grant funding is available for the DSP-II microcredential to cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, course materials and NADSP credentialing for students and educational supports. In addition, the program offers a $750 incentive to eligible students who successfully complete a microcredential and earn NADSP certification.

Individuals eligible for the grant-funded DSP-II microcredential are those who are currently working at a participating OPWDD affiliated employer looking to meet new academic and career goals. For those currently not employed as a Direct Support Professional, work-based learning opportunities will be available through internship assignments. To enroll in DSP-II, students must complete the DSP-I micro-credential or the DSP Level I certification from the NADSP.

Required Courses (7 credits)

• PSY 216: Lifespan Human Development (3 credits)
• EDU 101: Applied Behavior Analysis: Field Experience I (4 credits)

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Course Descriptions

PSY 216: Lifespan Human Development

Prerequisites: PSY 203
Description: This course will examine major theories and findings on human development. Development is viewed across the life span from prenatal development through advanced old age. The course integrates theoretical perspectives and serves as a foundation for careers in the behavioral sciences, health, and human services.
Credit Hours: 3

EDU 101: Applied Behavior Analysis: Field Experience I

Prerequisites: Permission of Chairperson
Description: A systematic examination of facilities for the education of special education children. Emphasis is placed upon developing the student's understanding of applied behavior analysis, atypical vs. typical development, the analysis of human behavior and techniques for behavioral change, and developmentally appropriate curriculum. Field experience is designed to provide the student with opportunities for observation and participation in public and private schools for a minimum of three hours a week. 
Credit Hours: 4

Through successfully completing the above coursework, you can earn NADSP e-badges in the following competency areas: Crisis Intervention and Prevention; Health and Wellness; Person-Centered Practices; and Safety.

Stackable to Degree Program

Academic credits received for the DSP-I and DSP-II microcredentials are accredited and can be applied to future certificates and degrees at a number of institutions. The DSP-I and DSP-II microcredentials align with requirements for the Disability Studies Certificate and/or Disability Studies A.A. degree at Nassau Community College should you choose to continue your education after obtaining the microcredential(s).

Contact

Prof. Diane Martin 
Diane.Martin@ncc.edu
516.572.7181, ext. 25009