Course Description

This course is designed for students who desire to work in diverse childhood settings that serve ALL children, including children with disabilities and special needs. This course provides an overview of atypical development, common disabilities of children, and the impact on families. Educational, historical, societal, and developmental issues are covered. Special education laws, the identification and referral process, the development and implementation of an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and an Individual Education Program (IEP), methods of intervention, and case management are explored. Students are given an opportunity to conduct an observation of children and converse with family members and/or community agencies.