EDSP 6100 - Nature and Needs of Young Children with Exceptionalities

• Students will be able to describe the policies and legal requirements impacting the history of and current issues in special education for young children.
• Students will be able to identify typical or atypical development for children from 0-8 years in social-emotional, cognitive, physical, functional, and communication, as well as the risk factors for abuse, neglect, and the development of disabilities.
• Students will be able to summarize the interconnected nature of each developmental domain and importance of social, environmental, and familial impact on young children’s development.
• Students will be able to utilize knowledge of child development to create a high-quality learning environment, which is individualized, contextualized, and optimized for each young child.
• Students will be able to promote the meaningful inclusion and participation of young children with disabilities in natural environments and inclusive classroom settings.
• Students will be able to make evidence-based and theory-based decisions on how to facilitate and support young children’s learning and development.
• Students will be able to demonstrate respect, fairness, and appreciation of young children’s diverse individual and developmental differences and uniqueness.
• Students will be able to use knowledge of community resources and family-centered practices to support young children and their families in transitioning from one program to another.
• Students will be able to demonstrate professional and ethical dispositions to educate, care, and advocate for young children.