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Special Education 360

I. Course Title: Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education

II. Course Number: EDSP 360

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits

IV. Prerequisites: Instructor Approval

V. Course Description:

This course provides students with an understanding of the nature and characteristics of major disabling and at-risk conditions and the foundation of the legal aspects associated with students with disabilities.

Note(s): Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course. This course is a required professional education course for the early childhood special education teaching licensure option.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

Students will be provided an understanding of the nature and characteristics of major disabling and at-risk conditions and the foundation of the legal aspects associated with students with disabilities.

Course content includes:

Pathways for service delivery to the birth-through-age-five population
An overview of early intervention and early childhood special education
Historical perspective of special education
Awareness of cultural and linguistic diversity
Legislative and judicial mandates related to education and special education
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), § 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act
Legal decisions related to persons with disabilities
Current regulations and procedures governing special education to include individualized education program (IEP) development and individualized family service plan (IFSP)
Knowledge of characteristics and developmental needs of three- and four-year-olds, including the ability to recognize indicators of atypical development
Response and recognition of tiered instruction

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

This course will involve a lecture format with class discussion, audio/visual presentations, simulations, and written exams.

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

Goals, objectives, and assignments address the Virginia Department of Education regulations for preparing educators and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Initial Preparation Standards and Specialty Set Knowledge and Skill Items. Specialty set included in this course cover competencies for Early Childhood Special Education.

In order to understand the nature and characteristics of major disabling and at-risk conditions and the foundation of the legal aspects associated with students with disabilities, this course will prepare each student to:

Understand specific disabilities, including the etiology, characteristics, and classification of common disabilities in infants and young children, and specific implications for development and learning in the first years of life
Recognize infants and young children develop and learn at varying rates
Discuss the effect of the individual child’s abilities, needs, and characteristics on development and learning
Understand the historical, philosophical foundations, and legal basis of services for infants and young children both with and without exceptional needs
Discuss trends and issues in early childhood education, early childhood special education, and early intervention
Identify factors that affect the mental health and social-emotional, adaptive, play, temperament, and motor development
Analyze family systems and the role of families in supporting development
Explain the referral process for young children and families
Demonstrate qualities to work effectively with children of diverse ages and abilities, and with children reflecting culturally and linguistically diverse family systems

VIII. Assessment Measures:

Assessment Measures may include:

Taking formal tests and/or quizzes to assess mastery of course goals
Participating in class discussions, small group activities, and reflective writing
Completing other assignments as deemed appropriate.

Other Course Information: This course is a required professional education course for the early childhood special education teaching licensure option.

Review and Approval

Revised May, 2009

April 2019

March 01, 2021