EDSP 363
Language Development and Disorders in Infancy and Early Childhood
1. Catalog Entry
EDSP 363
Language Development and Disorders in Infancy and Early Childhood
Credit hours (3)
Prerequisites: 2.5 GPA and an IDEC major or instructor approval
This course provides students with an understanding of speech and language development and intervention methods, including the effects of disabling and at-risk conditions on young children.
2. Detailed Description of Course
Students will learn speech and language development and intervention methods, including the effects of disabling and at-risk conditions on young children.
Course content includes:
•Developmental stages of language acquisition and communication
•Cultural and linguistic diversity
•English learner language acquisition
•Use of language to get needs and wants met and use of functional communication for social interaction
•The importance of supportive verbal and nonverbal communication.
3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Instructional methods may include, but are not limited to a lecture format with class discussion, audio/visual presentations, simulations, and written exams. Students will be required to collect and analyze a language sample.
4. 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 items included in this course cover competencies for Early Childhood Special Education.
In order to understand speech and language development and intervention methods, including the effects of disabling and at-risk conditions on young children, this course will prepare each student to:
1.Support caregivers to respond to child’s cues and preferences, establish predictable routines and turn taking, and facilitate communicative initiations
2.Describe the effect of language delays on cognitive, social-emotional, adaptive, play, temperament, motor development, and behavior
3.Develop communication systems for young children that support self-advocacy
4.Structure social environments, using peer models and proximity, and responsive adults, to promote interactions among peers, parents, and caregivers
5.Use strategies to support and enhance communication skills of individuals with exceptionalities
6.Describe normal language development in early childhood
7.Define the components of language and their influence on communication development
8.Identify appropriate communication strategies to promote communication development
9.Discuss the implications of learning English as a second language for a young child
5. Assessment Measures
Assessment measures may include, but are not limited to:
1.Taking formal tests and/or quizzes to assess mastery of course goals.
2.Participating in class discussions, small group activities, and reflective writing.
3.Completing a language sample and interpreting it.
4.Completing other assignments as deemed appropriate.
6. Other Course Information
This course is a required professional education course for the early childhood special education teaching licensure option.
Review and Approval
April 23, 2014