Early Childhood Special Educ (ECSE)

An overview of intervention from birth through the age eight population including typical infants, toddlers, preprimary and primary children and those with special health concerns, developmental delays, and at-risk conditions including children with sensory impairments, physical disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, and learning disabilities. Applies theories and knowledge of dynamic roles and relationships between families, schools, and communities. Identifies resources, services, and delivery options in meeting the needs of children birth through age eight and develops an understanding of the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) and the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process.

Teaches skills in administering informal and formal assessments and in interpreting information from testing and observation for the purpose of monitoring development and planning intervention for young children. Links assessment techniques to planning, implementing, and evaluation curriculum goals and teaching practices for infants, toddlers, preprimary and primary children based on the needs and interests of individual children, their families, and community.

Students study behavior management, preventive discipline, quality program design, program administration, positive guidance, transition, collaboration, and ethical standards that support the development, learning and well-being of all young children. This includes the administration, design, and implementation of physically and psychologically safe and healthy indoor and outdoor environments to promote the development of young children. Staff supervision and evaluation plus program development is included. (Requires 10 hours practicum)

Students will plan, implement and learn to evaluate developmentally and individually appropriate curriculum goals, content and teaching practices for infants and toddlers based on the needs and interests of individual children and their families. Techniques for adapting material, equipment and the environment will be emphasized to meet social, cognitive, physical motor, communication, and medical needs for children of varying abilities. 25 field hours required.

Approaches to early childhood education for pre-primary children of typical and atypical needs. Students learn appropriate curriculum goals, content, teaching practices and assessment. 25 field hours required.

For students seeking endorsement in ECSE and PK-K. Directed observation and supervised teaching experience. The student is required to spend a full day, five days a week for one-half a semester in an approved early childhood setting.