New federal grant will help WMU meet critical need for early childhood special education professionals
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University is launching a new, collaborative program to meet the growing demand for professionals equipped to help young children with severe communication and behavioral needs reach their full potential.
Supported by a five-year, $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Project SHINE is focused on interdisciplinary preparation of personnel working in early childhood special education—specifically with children from birth to 5 years old who have high-intensity needs.
“We’re trying to intervene as early as possible so that we can really change the developmental trajectory of a child and really make a difference for their family,” says Dr. Emily Curiel, associate professor of special education and the primary investigator on the grant. She is leading the project alongside Dr. Hugo Curiel, assistant professor of psychology; Dr. Melissa Rajter, faculty specialist of special education; and Dr. Meagan Walsh, assistant professor of special education.
“This grant is a tremendous opportunity,” adds Dr. Laura Dinehart, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “It allows us to prepare more early childhood special educators—professionals who can positively change the course of children’s lives. We are proud to help build a workforce that strengthens families, schools and our entire community.”
Working together
The program, which is a collaboration between Western’s College of Education and Human Development and College of Arts and Sciences, will provide funding for 10 scholars to earn master’s degrees in early childhood general and special education and 10 scholars to earn master’s degrees in behavioral analysis. The first cohort will begin in fall 2026.
“This project is a great example of the innovative, interdisciplinary collaborations happening among our world-class WMU faculty and their power to positively impact communities,” says Dr. Carla Koretsky, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Scholars will complete shared coursework and group assignments with their cohort and participate in extensive integrated field experiences with professional mentors. They’ll also have access to a community advisory board and study sessions for their board certification exam.
Once certified, graduates of Project SHINE will be empowered to provide intensive language and behavioral interventions for young children with developmental delays and disabilities, including those associated with autism.
Meeting a need
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism diagnoses in children have nearly doubled over the past decade, from 1 in 59 children in 2014 to 1 in 31 in 2022.
The increased identification of autism has highlighted the need for personnel who are qualified to provide more intensive language and behavioral interventions for young children. Research has shown that early intervention can positively impact multiple developmental domains for these kids, which can be life-changing for them and their families.
Michigan’s PreK for All initiative, which aims to provide preschool services for all 4-year-old children in the state, is also expected to increase demand for early childhood special education teachers as enrollment grows.
Because of its track record of collaboration between behavior analysts and education professionals across the Department of Psychology and Department of Special Education and Literacy Studies, Western is an ideal steward for this new and needed program, Curiel says.
“Nationally recognized programs like the Autism Center of Excellence make WMU well-positioned to implement Project SHINE, and its impact will be seen both in the preparation of scholars and the children for which they serve.”
Applications for the first cohort are currently being accepted. Scholars will receive full tuition as well as access to a scholar support fund to cover the costs of textbooks and study materials. They will also be able to attend a conference with faculty members to expand their professional network. More information about the program and how to apply is available online.
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