Project MAINSAIL

Project MAINSAIL (M.A. degree Interdisciplinary preparatioN for Speech-language And early Intervention Leaders) was an interdisciplinary program for 16 early childhood special educators (ECSE) and 16 speech-language pathologists (SLP) with a focus on children with significant autism who were dual language learners. ECSEs graduated with a Professional Clear Education Specialist credential and SLPs with a Speech-language Pathology Services Credential both enabling work in schools, and developed a SDSU Certificate in Social Communication and Autism.

The project also initiated an innovative mentoring program for 10 trainees, which was designed in collaboration with school districts and early intervention agencies in the region. The competencies were embedded throughout the project and included:

• Used data for assessment with a focus on progress monitoring and decision-making.
• Identified and implemented evidence-based interventions.
• Differentiated instruction to maximize performance for individuals with high-intensity needs, including the use of augmentative and alternative means of communication.
• Developed skills to support the social communication and literacy needs of children with significant ASD, including those from linguistically diverse households.
• Acquired skills to work in collaboration with other adults, including as part of an interdisciplinary team that included paraprofessionals and families from ethno-linguistically diverse communities.
• Gained knowledge of best practices to support inclusion in natural environments and with typically developing peers.