EDU475C
3 Credits
Online options
Early Intervention for Children with Disabilities (ages birth to age 5)
This course prepares early childhood professionals to meet the needs of infants, toddlers, and preschool children with disabilities or those suspected of having a disability. Students analyze the current service delivery system for early intervention and preschool special education, exploring legal, policy, and program frameworks that shape practice. Building on an understanding of typical development from birth through age five, students examine the impact of various disabilities on communication, motor, cognitive, social-emotional, and adaptive development. They apply developmentally appropriate, evidence-based practices within inclusive, child- and family-centered curricula and design strategies to promote social-emotional growth, participation, and school readiness across a continuum of educational settings. Emphasis is placed on collaboration with families, educators, and related service providers to implement interventions that foster positive outcomes, independence, and engagement for all young children.