Introduction to Exceptional Children - CHD 210 at Mountain Empire Community College
https://courses.vccs.edu./colleges/mecc/courses/CHD210-IntroductiontoExceptionalChildren
Effective: 2016-08-01
Course Description
Reviews the history of and legal requirements for providing intervention and educational services for young children with special needs. Studies the characteristics of children with a diverse array of needs and developmental abilities. Explores concepts of early intervention, inclusion, guiding behavior and adapting environments to meet children's needs.
Lecture 3 hours per week.
3 credits
The course outline below was developed as part of a statewide standardization process.
General Course Purpose
To prepare early care and education professionals who are employed or are preparing to be employed in child care programs, Head Start, or family child care homes, to work with young children having or at risk for having special needs.
Course Objectives
- Explain the historical contributions and legal bases that form the foundation of early childhood special education.
- Describe typical developmental characteristics of young children and identify situations or events that may be considered risk factors for developmental delays or atypical development.
- Consider physical, cognitive, social, and emotional differences among young children when planning an appropriate individualized curriculum.
- Select age and stage appropriate materials, activities and environments for young children with diverse needs and demonstrate strategies for adapting toys, materials, and learning environments.
- Identify various agencies providing early intervention and support for families with children having or at risk for special needs.
- Explore the range of positive guidance strategies appropriate for use with young children with diverse needs.
- Utilize effective techniques for communicating and collaborating with families of children with special needs.
- Identify and apply learning standards as they relate to exceptional children: the Virginia Foundation Blocks, the Child Development Milestones, the Virginia Standards of Learning, and Core Competencies for Early Childhood Professionals.
Major Topics to be Included
- Legal requirements for serving the needs of children with special needs and their families
- Options for placement and services within the community
- Resources for adapting environments to meet special needs
- Various professional pathways for careers in early childhood special education