Early intervention, early stimulation, early childhood stimulation, child development, among other terms, are attributed to this multidisciplinary profession that initially distinguishes three clear boundaries: education, health (physical and mental), and social work.
Its axis of action is focused on preserving development and reducing bio-psychosocial risks in children aged 0-6, by carrying out scientifically oriented intervention activities in the child’s health, education, and social context.
In this article, we will see how you can become an early intervention professional in Colombia and the evolution this profession has had over time in the country.
In Colombia, early stimulation is a young profession with a lot of future
Early intervention or early stimulation is a specialized component, primarily aimed at health, education, and social knowledge professionals, whose justification is to provide protection, prevention, and care for children at risk and ensure their development.
It is a novel career that has developed rapidly since 1970, alongside the evolution of the social conception of disability and the growing interest of global institutions, such as UNICEF, in preserving childhood and guaranteeing and supporting newborns in their development through public policies.
In fact, early intervention and its actions integrate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to education, health, and child protection.
Who can work as an early intervention expert?
At first glance, the term ‘early stimulation professional’ in Colombia doesn’t say much to those unfamiliar with the field; it’s also considered a profession in the shadows, without much glamour.
However, in practice, it makes an enormous qualitative difference by constituting a fundamental support not only for the healthy development of the child population but also a robust pillar for family protection, guaranteeing equal access for at-risk children to basic health, education, and recreation services, and in general, a career of great breadth, dedication, and mastery that dignifies those who practice it.
Therefore, early intervention seems to be more of a vocation that makes professionals shine who are interested in the care and research of early childhood, especially children who present deficiencies or vulnerabilities that, if addressed in time, can be reversed or remedied.
If you are an education, social work, psychology, or health professional with experience in child care, looking for a third-level education that truly impacts your professional growth in economic terms and vocational gratification, this profession is by far the ideal choice.
When we talk about an early intervention professional, we refer to someone with a foundational university education and a specialization in early intervention.
Therefore, it is estimated that an early intervention professional enjoys an initial salary of 2,000,000 COP – 3,500,000 COP
Where to work as an early intervention professional in Colombia?
Child care and development institutes and centers (private and public)
This is the largest sector of job opportunities for the early intervention specialist. They can routinely perform their work in private, public, or community-based centers. For this reason, psychologists, pedagogues, physiotherapists, and even pediatricians are increasingly asked to orient their specialization towards early intervention.
Multidisciplinary groups in hospitals, clinics, and assistance in childcare and pediatrics
This is the field where early intervention is practiced as support for medical staff. It involves the integration into neonatology and pediatrics wards of a more human and social conception that considers the care of at-risk babies not only from a medical perspective but also from a social and emotional one. In this context, nurses, psychologists, and social workers with specializations in early intervention make a difference in promoting secure attachment methods, breastfeeding, and guiding parents and caregivers on applying stimuli to newborns.
Psychology oriented to early intervention
Whether at an institutional level or as an independent consultant, a psychologist with this training will be able to develop skills and talents to lead individual developmental care programs, intervention programs for at-risk children, or early intervention prevention programs aimed at parents and families.
Physiotherapist or audiology oriented to early intervention
With a specialization in early intervention, they will be able to expand their network of potential clients by becoming true promoters of early intervention, applying a more comprehensive intervention to their service users.
Early stimulation in Colombia: profession profile
An interesting fact is that becoming an early intervention professional in Colombia is achieved by studying short courses: diplomas, courses, and workshops. Therefore, the backing of a master’s degree in this field will grant visibility to your professional profile and greater advantages by having more exhaustive preparation and stronger academic support.
Considering that early intervention is a highly valued profession in Europe, other Latin American countries, and the United States; and is a fundamental part of the guidelines of many governments and international child protection organizations, training in this master’s degree truly adds weight to professional knowledge and specializes you in an area with high labor demand and low supply.
In Colombia, Universidad ISEP offers Master’s degrees in Early Intervention
If you are looking to pursue a master’s degree in early intervention in Mexico, the best training option currently available in the country is offered by Universidad ISEP.
Based in the city of Sinaloa, Universidad ISEP offers the most comprehensive Master’s degree in Early Intervention in the entire country and in 360º Modality, an exclusive distance learning method of this institution.
The proposed methodology combines theory and practice and allows for double degree completion in 16 months of study with the itinerary that best suits your area of intervention.
Explore our website and learn about the study plan, the teaching team, the teaching method, and the financing and student support plans so you can finish this year with the ideal training for those who wish to be experts in child care: Specialization in Early Intervention from Universidad ISEP.