The IBCCES Down Syndrome Center of Excellence™ (DSCE) program recognizes organizations that have highly trained staff and are fully equipped to support people living with Down syndrome, the most commonly diagnosed chromosomal condition in the world.

Nearly 1 in 1,000 babies born worldwide are diagnosed with Down syndrome. Earning a Down Syndrome Center of Excellence™ certification can help providers deepen their knowledge of how to best work with individuals who have Down syndrome, ensure quality of care, and improve patient or student experience, as well as provide a way to stand out in the community and put individuals with Down syndrome and their families at ease.

Benefits of Becoming a Down Syndrome Center of Excellence™

mother and daughter at therapy session

Gain recognition within the community for specialized training

Enhance trust and ease the minds of individuals with Down syndrome & their families

Improve outcomes with increased quality of support services and care

Position-specific, customized online training for staff

Critical Needs for Improved Care

Behavioral & Developmental Interventions

Address cognitive delays, speech/language development, motor skills & social interaction using evidence-based behavioral and developmental therapies


Medical & Health-Related Knowledge

Understanding common health issues (e.g., congenital heart defects, thyroid disorders) to ensure safe, holistic care


Family & Caregiver Support

Skills in counseling, education, and resource guidance to empower families and promote advocacy


Down Syndrome Centers of Excellence™ meet the following requirements:

Dedicated to serving individuals with Down Syndrome

At least 80% of patient-facing staff trained and certified in the field of Down Syndrome

Committed to ongoing specialized training in Down Syndrome (renewal requirement every 4 years)

An onsite review by IBCCES experts includes a comprehensive report with suggested changes or modifications.

How It Works

    Your team will complete our online training and accreditation process. And 80% of patient-facing staff must complete the program to earn the Down Syndrome Center of Excellence™ (DSCE) status.
    CAC process
    Click here to learn more about our Certification Process.
    *Your clinic will also undergo an onsite review by IBCCES experts that includes a comprehensive report with suggested changes or modifications to better serve individuals with Down Syndrome.

    Training + Patient Care

    • 4-year certification
    • On-site review of facilities by an expert that includes a comprehensive report with modifications to better serve individuals with Down syndrome

    Recognition and Promotion

    • Listing on the International Online Registry
    • Press release and marketing support from IBCCES announcing DSCE
    • Framed certification for display
    • Validated Digital Accreditation Badge for website and social media
    • Featured on AccessibilityCertified.com and accessible to over 5.6 million parents, therapists, and educators

    Advantages

    • Ensure all staff have the knowledge to cater to the specialized needs of individuals with Down syndrome
    • Empower your staff

    • Bil, Bowen Center Executive

      “At the Bowen Center, we saw a gap in resources that were being provided to people who are on the spectrum. We knew professional training was necessary to fill this gap.”

    Find Out More About How Your Organization Can Earn the Down Syndrome Center of Excellence™ Status

    Fill out the form below to connect with an Advisor for more information