This micro-credential recognizes and validates learners’ intermediate skills in creating a standards-aligned Individualized Education Program (IEP), a process that involves collaborating with families and educators to prioritize the student’s access to the general curriculum and promote their sense of belonging in general education environments. Learners also demonstrate intermediate knowledge of how to leverage Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to develop relevant, specially designed instruction that can be delivered within an integrated Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS).
- Level 1: foundational knowledge of inclusive practices, including an integrated MTSS, UDL, federal and state requirements, and key indicators of IEPs. Online modules are designed to be completed in approximately 4 hours.
- Level 2: further skill development in identifying grade-level expectations, necessary and targeted supports, and relevant assessments within an IEP. Learners demonstrate the knowledge needed to collaborate meaningfully with an inclusive IEP team in developing key aspects of the IEP document. Online modules, with practice-based scenarios, are designed to take about 5 hours to complete.
- Level 3: demonstrated competency in using an IEP Checklist to evaluate a sample or a real, redacted IEP. Online modules, each with practice and assessment activities, are completed in approximately 7.5 hours.
Throughout the pathway, learners are assessed using knowledge-based quizzes, scenario-based assignments, and rubrics. This training was developed by an interdisciplinary team of subject-matter experts from the Special Education Department at the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) and the Department of Psychology at the University of Maine (UMaine). Associated contact hours: 16.5.
Who is eligible to register?
- Educators: Special education teachers, pre-service teachers, general education teachers who are part of an inclusive team;
- Case managers, IEP coordinators, IEP Team Members (Related Service Providers, Interventionists, Paraprofessionals);
- Administrators: Directors and Assistant Directors of Special Education, Building Principals, Superintendents who want to support and promote inclusive IEP development, Directors of Curriculum who want to know more about how inclusive IEPs align with general curriculum;
- Families of students who are eligible for special education services and supports;
- Any interested party with a need to know more about creating inclusive IEPs.
What is the cost to the learner?
$70. Available discounts:
- When purchased with the Inclusive Education PreK-12 Micro-Credential: $99 ($120 value)! Learn more and register at Discover.Maine (External Site).
- Practicing educators and support staff should ask their supervisors or administrators about the potential for reimbursement.
- Early Childhood Educators: $50 If you are a licensed early childhood educator/provider, complete this three-question Google Form for a discount code to use during the checkout process.
- Families: free. If you are a parent or guardian of a child with a disability and are interested in taking this micro-credential at no cost, complete this two-question Google Form for a discount code to use during the checkout process.
What is the delivery mode?
Online asynchronous
Where can I find additional information?
Visit the UMF Graduate and Continuing Education Programs website (External Site).
Who can I contact to answer my questions?
Email Jessica Apgar, PhD, Assistant Professor of Special Education at UMF: jessica.apgar@maine.edu.
View each level in the badging platform:
Visit the Micro-Credential Pathway for Creating Inclusive Individualized Education Programs (External Site).
View the full list of Micro-Credentials
Last Update: 12/5/25