An overview of the history of special education, assessment, intervention, and curriculum will be introduced. This course puts emphasis on current educational practices and related educational theories including identification, causes, and characteristics of students with exceptionalities birth through age eight. Observation and participation hours in a special education setting required.
Prerequisites
Reading proficiency as established by District policy.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Outline the foundational principles of early childhood special education.
- Describe the terminology and legislation associated with early childhood special education.
- Relate the prevalence of young children with special needs with the importance of early intervention.
- Describe the historical and legal perspectives of family-based early childhood services.
- Evaluate the purpose of assessment, the procedures involved, and the types of assessment used in early intervention and special education.
- Distinguish between the various service delivery methods used with young children with special needs and their families.
- Compare curricula used with children with special needs.
- Explain developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) in early childhood special education.
- Design learning environments for young children with special needs.
- Adapt the learning environment for young children with special needs.
- Develop a list of strategies for teaching young children with special needs.
- Summarize the contemporary issues and challenges in early childhood special education.