Course Descriptions for the Programs in Early Childhood Education and
Early Childhood Education with the Special Needs Option
EDUC 860. Introduction to Young Children with Special Needs
The needs of children (birth to eight years) with developmental problems or who are at risk for disabilities. Strengths and special needs of such children: causes, identification, and treatment; current legislation; parent and family concerns; program models. 4 credits.
EDUC 941. Diversity and Child Development
Focuses on typical child development from birth through age eight. Considers theories of child development and assessment from historical and contemporary perspectives, with an emphasis on observation during naturally occurring activities as a means of learning about child development. Includes a child study. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 4 credits
EDUC 942. Sociocultural Perspectives on Teaching and Learning
Considers the growing body of knowledge on the role of play in children’s development; includes examination of contemporary constructivist theory. Organized around theme of teacher as researcher. Assignments include research review and student designed study of child development issue. Prerequisite: EDUC 941 or permission of instructor. 4 credits
EDUC 943. Changing Contexts in Early Education
Forum for exchange of knowledge on developmentally appropriate environments for young children. Considers the interface between characteristics of the environment (physical as well as organizational) and children being served. Includes field visits to settings appropriate for typically developing children as well as those with special needs. Prerequisite: EDUC 941 or permission of instructor. 4 credits
EDUC 944. Inclusive Curriculum for Young Children
Classroom applications of constructivist theory. Curriculum planning and implementation; overview of research and theory related to teaching and learning of specific content areas, with an emphasis on integrated approaches to early childhood curriculum. Stresses the reciprocal nature of student-teacher relationships. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 4 credits
EDUC 947. Curriculum for Young Children with Special Needs: Evaluation and Program Design
Overview of evaluation and intervention issues relevant to early childhood special education, focusing on ages three through eight. Norm-referenced and criterion-referenced assessment tools, as well as, judgement-based evaluation and observation skills are addressed. Translation of evaluation information into goals and objectives for individual education programs and developing appropriate programs in inclusive settings. 4 credits
EDUC 949. Supporting Families of Individuals with Exceptionalities
An introduction to family system theory and the implications for families having members with exceptionalities. Issues addressed include diagnosis and prognosis, coping strategies, communication and team collaboration, cross-cultural competence, and agency and school delivery of service. Emphasis is on proactive collaboration with family members. 4 credits
EDUC 950. Research in Culture, Behavior, and Development
Study of child development from comparative perspective, considering race, gender, and disabling conditions as dimensions of diversity. Cross-cultural research examined as challenge to contemporary theories of child development. Ethnopsychology of child development. Use of anthropological methods in study of child development. Implications for educational theory and practice. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 4 credits
EDUC 951. Laws and Regulations Affecting the Education of Students with Disabilities
Analysis of current federal and state policies affecting students with disabilities. Focus on section 504 and IDEA. The role of policy making and constitutional and ethical issues discussed. 4 credits.
