I. Course Title: Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education
II. Course Number: EDSP 360
III. Credit Hours: 3 credits
IV. Prerequisites: Instructor Approval
V. Course Description:
This course provides students with an understanding of the nature and characteristics
of major disabling and at-risk conditions and the foundation of the legal aspects
associated with students with disabilities.
Note(s): Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course. This course is a required professional
education course for the early childhood special education teaching licensure option.
VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:
Students will be provided an understanding of the nature and characteristics of major
disabling and at-risk conditions and the foundation of the legal aspects associated
with students with disabilities.
Course content includes:
- Pathways for service delivery to the birth-through-age-five population
- An overview of early intervention and early childhood special education
- Historical perspective of special education
- Awareness of cultural and linguistic diversity
- Legislative and judicial mandates related to education and special education
- The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 搂 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Legal decisions related to persons with disabilities
- Current regulations and procedures governing special education to include individualized
education program (IEP) development and individualized family service plan (IFSP)
- Knowledge of characteristics and developmental needs of three- and four-year-olds,
including the ability to recognize indicators of atypical development
- Response and recognition of tiered instruction
VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:
This course will involve a lecture format with class discussion, audio/visual presentations,
simulations, and written exams.
VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:
Goals, objectives, and assignments address the Virginia Department of Education regulations
for preparing educators and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Initial Preparation
Standards and Specialty Set Knowledge and Skill Items. Specialty set included in this
course cover competencies for Early Childhood Special Education.
In order to understand the nature and characteristics of major disabling and at-risk
conditions and the foundation of the legal aspects associated with students with disabilities,
this course will prepare each student to:
- Understand specific disabilities, including the etiology, characteristics, and classification
of common disabilities in infants and young children, and specific implications for
development and learning in the first years of life
- Recognize infants and young children develop and learn at varying rates
- Discuss the effect of the individual child鈥檚 abilities, needs, and characteristics
on development and learning
- Understand the historical, philosophical foundations, and legal basis of services
for infants and young children both with and without exceptional needs
- Discuss trends and issues in early childhood education, early childhood special education,
and early intervention
- Identify factors that affect the mental health and social-emotional, adaptive, play,
temperament, and motor development
- Analyze family systems and the role of families in supporting development
- Explain the referral process for young children and families
- Demonstrate qualities to work effectively with children of diverse ages and abilities,
and with children reflecting culturally and linguistically diverse family systems
VIII. Assessment Measures:
Assessment Measures may include:
- Taking formal tests and/or quizzes to assess mastery of course goals
- Participating in class discussions, small group activities, and reflective writing
- Completing other assignments as deemed appropriate.
Other Course Information: This course is a required professional education course
for the early childhood special education teaching licensure option.
Review and Approval
Revised May, 2009
April 2019
March 01, 2021