EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATION METHODS: INCLUSIVE STRATEGIES FOR PRESCHOOL AND EARLY ELEMENTARY

RP&SE 475

Supervised practicum teaching in an approved placement with a qualified cooperating teacher serving students with disabilities birth through grade 9.

RP&SE 455

Explore instructional approaches and practices that support developmentally appropriate, effective, and inclusive early childhood education and evidenced-based intervention for infants and toddlers (i.e., birth-3 years old). Learn strategies to support access to the general education curriculum, participation, and achievement of young children with developmental delays and disabilities. Examines "what" to teach, the selection of developmentally- and individually-appropriate child goals and objectives, and "how" to teach, the practical components of developing and delivering effective, evidenced based instruction and intervention. Emphasis on adapting general early childhood education curriculum and practices in order to support children's individualized goals within inclusive classrooms. Addresses planning and implementing instruction in alignment with state and federal mandates.

RP&SE 320

Provides an overview of teaching in early childhood and K-12 special education and introduces the content of and highlights the underlying themes (e.g., inclusion, collaboration) embedded in teacher preparation courses required for licensing in early childhood special education and K-12 special education.

RP&SE 435

An introduction to the Early Childhood Special Education profession including historical, philosophical, social and psychological foundations, awareness of values, ethical and legal issues, staff relations, and the importance of becoming an advocate for children and families. Analyze trends in early education, including diversity, early intervention, early childhood special education, family centered practices, legislation, public policy, and developmentally appropriate practice.

RP&SE 510

Provides the knowledge and skills to implement federal and state mandates as well as professional organization recommendations for special education and related services programs. Explores collaboration in schools, community systems and families, family functioning, historical perspectives of family life and school involvement, effective relationships between home, school, community, communication among professionals and with families, school-based programs as well as multicultural considerations including those related to race, ethnicity, gender, language, and culture, among others. Gain knowledge of family-centered practices and family systems theory to develop and maintain reciprocal partnerships with families. Apply family capacity-building practices to support families to make informed decisions and advocate for their young children.