This curriculum is designed to prepare early childhood educators to recognize children with typical and atypical developmental needs and plan appropriate care and education to meet their needs.
Course work includes child development, observation and assessment, and an introduction to children with exceptionalities. Specific courses in behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, sensory and physical disabilities, and developmental delays are also included.
Students should be able to plan and implement developmentally appropriate experiences that stimulate all young children’s development and learning, provide an optimal learning environment that is safe and healthy, provide positive guidance for all children, and communicate effectively with the children, co-workers, and parents.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Early Childhood Special Needs Certificate program, a graduate should be able to:
- Create learning environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive and challenging for all children, including those with atypical development.
- Involve families and communities in children's development and learning.
- Use observation documentation and other appropriate assessment tools and approaches.
- Design and implement developmentally effective curriculum that addresses all domains of learning.
- Demonstrate leadership, advocacy and professionalism in the field of early education.
Certificate Awarded
The Early Childhood Special Needs Certificate is awarded by the College upon completion of this program.
First Semester
| EDU 144 | Child Development I | 3 |
| EDU 145 | Child Development II | 3 |
| EDU 162 | Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Second Semester
| EDU 221 | Children With Exceptionalities | 3 |
| EDU 223 | Specific Learning Disabilities | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
Third Semester
| EDU 248 | Developmental Delays | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 18