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Early childhood teachers and paraprofessionals will explore the developmental strengths and needs of young children 0-8 years with special needs using inclusion strategies and techniques for partnering with families.

An examination of the developing child in a societal context focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community, and emphasizing historical and socio-cultural factors. The processes of socialization and identity development will be highlighted, showing the importance of respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families.

Theoretical perspectives & historical contexts of developmentally-appropriate practices applied to environments & programs for children from birth through age eight. Examines the role of relationships, constructive adult-child interactions, & teaching strategies in supporting development across all domains for all children, including those from diverse backgrounds (culture, learning styles, special needs). Evolution of professional practices promoting advocacy, ethics, and professional identity.

Learn about Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) for children with special needs, including planning IEP/IFSP meetings, setting goals and objectives, writing the IEP plan, legal rights of children with disabilities, and the importance of working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams including culturally diverse families, advocates, general education teachers and support personal to meet the social and academic success of each student.

Introduction to laws, regulations, standards, curriculum, policies, and procedures related to health, safety, and nutrition for all children. Components that ensure physical health, mental health, and safety for children and staff and the importance of collaboration with families and health professionals. Focus on integrating concepts into planning and program development.

Learn about emotional development of young children, and using empathy and brain science to understand and solve children's behavioral challenges through connection, responsiveness, co-regulation and tools for understanding the roots of behavioral responses to the environment.

Examines the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social/emotional domains and identifies developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. Emphasis on interactions between biological processes and environmental factors. Students will observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages according to developmental theories.

Introduction to basic issues in special education TK (transitional kindergarten-12 including legal rights of children with disabilities and their families, Individual Educational Plans (IEPs), disability sensitivity and awareness, inclusion, collaboration strategies and community resources.

An examination of the developing child in a societal context focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community, and emphasizing historical and socio-cultural factors. The processes of socialization and identity development will be highlighted, showing the importance of respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families.

Human growth and development, ages five to twelve, and early and mid-adolescence, covering physical, cognitive, language, and social development. Developmental theories and issues affecting the lives of school aged children in contemporary society.