Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE)

Catalog description

This course provides an introduction to Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE). Students will discuss the historical contexts and origins of early childhood special education affecting children with developmental delays and disabilities. Students will identify the prevalence of developmental delays and disabilities and the importance of early intervention for cognitive, physical, behavioral, and social-emotional developmental trajectories. Students will investigate family-systems theory, family-centered approaches, and family-professional partnerships as well as culturally sustaining practices in EI/ECSE. Issues of racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity will be emphasized. Building on these ideas, this course will address issues of diversity and equitable access to quality services to ensure all children thrive in their natural educational environment. Students will preview and practice conducting common screenings and assessments for infancy, toddlerhood, and early childhood. Students will learn how to choose appropriate instructional strategies, practice applying them, and discuss how to implement strategies to foster an inclusive environment and culture in home, community, and school settings.