AESD provides a planned, programmed sequence of training experiences with the primary focus being on assuring breadth and quality of training. The program offers three different training locations. The training is the same in each location. An applicant can apply to any combination of the three. The three locations are all within the greater Phoenix area. The first location is in Avondale a southwest suburb of Phoenix. This is an elementary school district with 5 internship positions. The second location is in Tonopah, a far west suburb of Phoenix. It is a more rural area. The district serves Preschool through 12th grade. There is 1 internship position at this location. The third location is in Peoria, a northwest suburb of Phoneix. It is a more urban area. The district serves Preschool through 12th grade. There are 2 internship positions at this location.
The internship is structured to meet Arizona’s requirements to become a licensed psychologist and a certified school psychologist. The program consists of 2000 hours of training over a 12-month period with at least 25% in direct service. The program is designed for a school psychology experience. Students from school psychology doctoral programs are preferred, but students from other programs will be considered. Experience in a school setting is strongly preferred.
Interns are exposed to both Special Education and General Education programs. Under supervision of licensed psychologists, interns provide psychoeducational and psychological evaluations, consultation, training, counseling, behavior management, and crisis intervention services. Training assignments are made to assure that each intern has the opportunity to provide assessment and intervention to students with various needs and diagnoses and to serve various age, cultural, socioeconomic, and minority groups. The wide range of diversity among students and staff in the program allows the internship to offer considerable multicultural experiences to interns. Special efforts are also made to provide experience with low incidence disorders.