Young Children with Disabilities and Their Families ((3))

Catalog description

The purpose of this course is to provide program candidates with the knowledge of basic family theories and family systems as they are applied to intervention with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers who are at risk or have disabilities and their families. The course explores issues related to cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic diversity in order to increase students' awareness, understanding, and appreciation for family customs, lifestyles, values, and priorities. Legal and legislative mandates are reviewed. Students learn professional approaches and strategies for determining family needs and preferences, implementing family-centered approaches to services, and developing and sustaining family-professional partnerships and support. They also learn how to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). This course is required for Early Childhood Special Education Added Authorization program. Prerequisite: Admission to the SPED program.