Introduction
The Virtual Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Distance Learning Online Program is a collaborative effort among the universities in Florida to provide courses related to the education of prekindergarten students with disabilities through an online delivery system. Faculty from across the state of Florida offer courses through the internet.
The Florida Department of Health, Children’s Medical Services, Bureau of Early Steps provides tuition support for students taking the Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist coursework offered through the Virtual ESE Distance Learning Program. Interested participants must meet the DOH requirements and be approved by the Local Early Steps Office prior to registering for courses. Students must sign an agreement to work as an Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist (ITDS) for a period of one year for every semester in which tuition assistance is received. Students are required to earn a grade of ‘B’, or better, in courses where tuition assistance was received. The assistance pays only tuition (it does not to include any additional fees).
Online courses are equivalent to traditional courses; they are as rigorous and demanding as face-to-face courses. Please review the class syllabus prior to beginning a Virtual ESE course. Since these courses will be provided via distance education, students who enroll should be comfortable with using the Internet, listservs, and email, and should recognize that almost all course activities will be handled electronically. There will be no class meetings and students will not attend any group or class sessions. Participation in online chat sessions, which will be offered at various times via the Internet, may be required. Classroom observations may also be required.