(a)  The Rhode Island board of governors for higher education (RIBGHE), working in collaboration with the office of health and human services (OHHS) and the Rhode Island department of labor and training (RIDLT), shall conduct a study to determine the need for and assess the feasibility of establishing a Rhode Island community supports academy at the Paul V. Sherlock Center at Rhode Island College. This academy would provide education and training for individuals who are interested in functioning in direct support roles for people in Rhode Island with developmental and/or learning disabilities that have special needs.

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(b)  The feasibility study will include an analysis of need and cost analysis for a 12-18 credit certification program for entry-level workers interested in working with children and adults with special needs. In developing this analysis, (RIBGHE), (OHHS) and (RIDLT) will consider:

(1)  The proposed coursework and supervised field placement component for the certificate program;

(2)  The employment needs of hospital and community-based settings; home-based services; child and adult day care settings; school settings and other settings that may work with adults and children who have special needs.