(a) Course work or training means course work or training in the needs of students with autism.

(b) Provider means any teachers' or professional organization or association, school district, board of cooperative educational services, nonpublic school, institution of higher education, hospital, health care facility, government agency or office, social service agency, or any other organization that has as its purpose the provision of course work or training in the needs of students with autism, and that is approved by the department to offer such course work or training pursuant to section 3004 of the Education Law.