4000

Participants will consider topics of critical importance to the intersection of disability, schools, and society. This course will be taught in a seminar format and address a wide range of topics that include, without limitation: disability policy; disability law; disability and religion; international disability practices and policies; disability transition issues; the intersection of disability, race, ethnicity, class, gender, and sexual orientation; inclusion practices nationally and internationally; and, the World Bank and special education. As deemed appropriate, experts and scholars in the issues discussed will be invited to participate and present on their areas of specialty. The final project will require participants to apply this knowledge in an interactive project for the classroom, school, district or other community setting in which understanding disability through the lens of diversity.

This course provides an introduction to the foundations of early intervention and early childhood special education, including developmental, educational, family systems, and health perspectives and theories. Specific attention is paid to the process of early intervention and early childhood special education within the least restrictive environment, as delineated in state and federal legislation. Includes 10-15 hours of fieldwork.

Provides knowledge and skills to meet the needs of infants, toddlers, and young children who demonstrate mild to profound disabilities. Includes how to use developmentally-appropriate/culturally-responsive practices to work with health care professionals, health and safety, emergency care, management of chronic health impairments, and management of neurodevelopmental and motor disabilities. Includes 10-15 hours of fieldwork.

This course explores how to manage the environment to support learning and development for young children with diverse needs. Participants will learn how to identify and support behavior challenges in a variety of early learning environments - individual, small group, and large group settings; home, center-based, and integrated classrooms. Includes 10-15 hours of fieldwork.

This course explores the role of assessment in understanding young children’s learning and development. It conceptualizes assessment as an ongoing, collaborative process of gathering and interpreting evidence about children’s behaviors and the social/physical environment to make decisions regarding services and supports for young children with disabilities or developmental delays. Includes 10-15 hours of fieldwork.