Online Certification Course Catalog
The Special Needs Life Quality Coach online certification program is offered through the Training, Education, Research & Innovation (TERI). In 2010, TERI celebrated 30 years of excellence in offering a wide range of programs and supports to hundreds of children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. We believe every individual with developmental and learning disabilities has the right to lead a valued, meaningful, and fulfilling life of uncompromised quality in their community. TERI is a private, non-profit agency based in Oceanside, California. Through programs that enrich the lives of those we serve and focus on the potential in all of us, we are able to provide families with supports throughout their child's lifespan. We are extremely proud of the work we do and invite you to learn more about us at: www.teriinc.org To be an internationally recognized center of excellence and social change for education, life planning, health and fitness, research, and provision of model programs for persons with developmental and learning disabilities and those who support them across their lifespan. Page 1
is a rewarding and important job, whether you choose to do it full time or part time. Hundreds of thousands of families and people with disabilities need support in order to lead quality lives of their own choosing. TERI is the first organization to offer coursework that will provide specialized Coaches who can help this growing segment of our population. I designed these courses with the working person in mind. You can take the online class any time throughout the week that it is posted, allowing you as much flexibility as possible in completing course assignments. There is no replacement for actual experience, so your 16 week class will give you many opportunities to conduct interviews and observe a wide range of people and programs. When you finish the course, you will have a resource guide specifically designed for the city in which you plan to open your coaching practice and all the forms and systems you need to launch your new career. In addition, you will have access to a network of coaches and experts you can turn to for assistance. I have over 30 years of experience developing and delivering supports to children and adults with a wide range of developmental special needs, and their families. I also have a doctoral degree in education from the prestigious University of California-San Diego. Finally, for the last 25 years, I have been the parent of a child with profound and multiple disabilities. I have drawn on all of my education and experience to design these courses in a way that I know will prepare you for working in this field. We have had students from across the United States who have taken this course and are now offering their services to families who are desperately in need of support. I hope that you decide to become one of a select few people who have the dedication to begin a new career that allows you to be actively involved in helping people lead happy and fulfilling lives. Page 2
Special Needs Life Quality Coach courses are offered online on a quarterly basis, with new courses added throughout the year as the need increases. (Typically begins in February) (Typically begins in June) (Typically begins in October) Call 760-721-1706 or email info@teriinc.org for exact dates. Page 3
Educational excellence Equality and accessibility Ethical leadership Inclusive environment Adaptability and innovation Commitment to student success 1. Gain an understanding of the special challenges and needs faced by individuals with developmental disabilities and their families across the lifespan. 2. Develop an empathy and appreciation for the contribution that people with disabilities make to our communities and society. 3. Understand the methods that Coaches need to employ to help their clients identify barriers to a quality life and design action plans to remove these barriers. 4. Learn a wide range of approaches for establishing, promoting, and operating a private Coaching practice. 5. Learn to think independently, creatively, logically, and effectively in supporting people with special needs and/or their families. 6. Demonstrate respect for diversity and multiple perspectives. 7. Value the role you play in improving life quality for people with special needs and their families. Page 4
Enrollment in the 16-week, online Special Needs Life Quality Coach certification course is easy! Go to www.teriinc.org or info@teriinc.org High School Diploma or equivalent At least 20 years of age Proficient in written and spoken English Paid, volunteer, or personal experience working, volunteering with, or supporting people with developmental or other disabilities Ability to access online courses Willingness to travel to programs in your city or town to conduct observations and interviews Personal initiative to establish a private Coaching practice Tuition for the 16-week course is $3,499 and must be paid in advance of the start date of the course (see Course Calendar for details about payment deadlines). Tuition includes all forms and reading materials associated with the class there are no additional expenses. TERI accepts cash, check, or credit card payments and charges a $10 fee for every check dishonored by the bank. In some cases, a payment plan can be arranged based on individual need. For more information about payment plans, contact us at info@teriinc.org. Students can drop the course at any time during the 16 weeks, however tuition is not refunded after the 8th week of study. Refunds are processed within 30 days of dropping the course, and a $100 application and processing fee is retained by the agency. Students must notify their instructor of their intent to drop the course. In many cases, individual arrangements can be made to complete a course that was discontinued due to medical or personal circumstances. Page 5