Aug 15, 2014 01:06 PM EDT By J Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

Fielding Graduate University, based in Santa Barbara, Calif., has recently acquired the doctoral program in infant and early childhood development from The Interdisciplinary Council on Development and Learning (ICDL).

The program is dedicated to redefining and promoting each child's development to his or her fullest potential. The retitled PhD program, Infant and Early Childhood Development with an emphasis in mental health and developmental disorders, remains a multi-disciplinary doctoral program specializing in conditions such as autism spectrum, sensory integration, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and mood disorders. This program is the only program in the world to award such a combined PhD degree.

 "We are so pleased to partner with ICDL in acquiring this high quality, nationally recognized and unique graduate program. Their areas of expertise are profound in the world of infant and childhood development," Katrina Rogers, president of Fielding Graduate University, said in a statement. "This new degree program will add to our array of offerings as we expand our footprint to serve this special population."

Current students enrolled in the program come from several core disciplines including psychology, social work, counseling, psychiatry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language, and education.

"The ICDL Graduate School community is thrilled to announce that our program is becoming part of Fielding Graduate University, a WASC accredited institution of higher learning. The joining of our two schools achieves a long term goal of ICDL that will allow students the opportunity to obtain a PhD from an accredited university," Don Cohon, president of ICDL Graduate School since 2012, said in a statement. "ICDL and Fielding share a commitment to excellence in providing an interdisciplinary educational experience that draws upon a collaborative participatory approach to learning, and values the individuality of children, families, and communities. We are excited to be working together to provide our students with the knowledge and skills to make a significant positive impact on the field of infant and early childhood development."

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