In this course, students examine typical and non-typical development of children from birth through age 8. This is a time of rapid brain growth and overall development that forms the foundation for all learning. For young children who have exceptionalities in the physical, behavioral, developmental, or learning domains, these years are even more critical. The purpose of this course is to provide current, research-based knowledge and resources for professionals and their families who nurture, support, and provide services to exceptional children.

In this clinical course, students will examine the multifaceted role of the special education teacher as evaluator, consultant, case manager and teacher. Courses taken throughout the teacher certification program support the development of skills for each of these roles. This is an introductory course designed to accomplish the following outcomes: (a) explore the college's digital library; (b) introduce the American Psychological Association annotation and format requirements; (c) provide a beginning teacher with an organizational framework for the varying roles of a special education teacher; (d) provide an in-depth understanding of their case management responsibilities; e) plan for the effective supervision of paraeducators; f) introduce the reflective analysis of student work teaching and assessment cycle; and g) apply the components of systematic direct instruction in lesson plan development.

This clinical course focuses on the components and processes involved in the legal aspects and development of Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP) and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Under the supervision of a district mentor, Students review school records; observe IFSP/IEP team meetings; consult with district evaluators, student and parents; analyze previously written IFSPs/IEPs and progress reports; and develop the skills necessary to prepare IFSPs/IEPs inclusive of transition plans and/or services. The culminating activities of the course include the development of an IFSP and an IEP, and a research paper which addresses the legal/ethical considerations and implications in the development of IFSPs and IEPs.

In this clinical course, students focus on STEM content, effective practice, instructional strategies, materials and curriculum integration, based on standards, inquiry, and connections to the real world. STEM concepts of curiosity, creativity, collaboration and critical thinking are researched and explored. Students will learn about the Scientific Method, as well as the roles of observation, classification, description, experimentation, application and imagination. Students will learn how to use technology and interactive media in the early childhood classroom to support learning. The role of engineering in the curriculum will be investigated, including design of methods and ideas for product development. Students will understand and apply math process standards of problem-solving, reasoning and proof, communication, connection, and representation. The course emphasizes application of principles in order to investigate and create experiences which employ STEM concepts and teaching strategies.