I. Course Title: Teaching Preschoolers with Disabilities
II. Course Number: EDSP 436
III. Credit Hours: 3 credits
IV. Prerequisites: EDSP 360 or EDSP 361
Corequisites: EDEC 322
V. Course Description:
This course provides students with an understanding of the methods for developing
and delivering instructional programs in early childhood settings.
Note(s): This course is a required professional education course for the early childhood
special education teaching licensure option.
VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:
Students will develop an understanding of the methods for providing instructional
programs in early childhood settings.
Course content includes:
- Service delivery options
- Development of individualized education programs (IEPs)
- Curriculum development and implementation to ensure developmentally appropriate intervention
techniques in the areas of self-help, motor, cognitive, social and emotional, and
language
- Service delivery to support success and functionality in all settings where same age,
typically developing peers would be located
- Response and recognition of tiered instruction
- Identification and documentation of children’s interests, strengths and challenges
- Utilization of learning strategies that stimulate curiosity, promote thinking, and
encourage participation in exploration and play
VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:
This course will involve a lecture format with class discussion, audio/visual presentations,
simulations, and written exams.
VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:
Goals, objectives, and assignments address the Virginia Department of Education regulations
for preparing educators and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Initial Preparation
Standards and Specialty Set Knowledge and Skill Items. Specialty set included in this
course cover competencies for Early Childhood Special Education.
In order to understand the methods for providing instructional programs for early
intervention and early childhood settings, this course will prepare each student to:
- Explain the effect of social and physical environments on development and learning
- Select, develop, and evaluate developmentally and functionally appropriate materials,
equipment, and environments
- Organize space, time, materials, peers, and adults to maximize progress in natural
and structures environments
- Structure social environments, using peer models and proximity, and responsive adults,
to promote interactions among peers, parents, and caregivers
- Provide a stimulus-rich indoor and outdoor environment that employs materials, media,
and adaptive and assistive technology, responsive to individual differences
- Demonstrate the concept of universal design for learning
- Plan, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate curricula, instruction,
and adaptations based on knowledge of the individual child, the family and the community
- Demonstrate an understanding of the theories and research that form the basis of curriculum
development and instructional practice
VIII. Assessment Measures:
Assessment measures may include, but are not limited to:
- Formal tests and/or quizzes to assess mastery of course goals.
- Class discussions, small group activities, and reflective writing.
- Development of a unit and lesson plan with instructional materials and adaptations.
Other Course Information: This course is a required professional education course
for the early childhood special education teaching licensure option.
Review and Approval
April 2009
April 23, 2014
March 01, 2021