This course focuses on promoting the optimal development of young children with special needs in an inclusionary early childhood setting. Building on a foundation of child development and the components of high-quality early childhood programs, students investigate specific physical, emotional, and psychological conditions which delay or modify the course of a child's healthy development. Students observe children with special needs in order to design adaptations in the curriculum and environment. Students develop strategies for collaborating with families and community services providers, based on a knowledge of legislative mandates regarding special education.

This course provides an overview of children's social and emotional development and an exploration of factors that influence behavior. Topics include the impact of differing development, external factors, relationships, and stress and trauma on child development. Participants will analyze children's behavior in a variety of situations and reflect on how children respond to stimuli. The role of adults in affecting positive development will be explored. Evidence based strategies and techniques for guiding positive behavior will be applied.

This course is required for all students enrolled in teaching certification programs. Students work with Field-Placement Faculty to create a field experience plan, develop prerequisite lesson planning and formative assessment skills, and gain the technical and professional understandings required for successful completion of teacher certification programs. This is a pre-requisite course for all clinical field-based courses.

The current field of special education was established by law and further refined through the courts in litigation. In this writing intensive class, students trace the historical development of federal, state, and local laws and regulations such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the New Hampshire Standards for the Education of Students with Disabilities. Students will gain an understanding of the relationship between constitutional law, statutory law, regulatory law, and case law as it relates to current special education law. The focus on policies and procedures provides the background future teachers and paraprofessionals need to fulfill their legal and ethical responsibilities and to understand the ever changing, complex nature of special education law.