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EDSP 438

I. Course Title: Program Management in Early Childhood Special Education

II. Course Number: EDSP 438

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits

IV. Prerequisites: EDSP 360 or EDSP 361, and a minimum 2.5 GPA 

V. Course Description: 

This course provides students with an understanding of the administrative aspects of service delivery systems for young children with disabilities or at-risk conditions and their families.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

Students will be provided with an understanding of the administrative aspects of service delivery systems for young children with disabilities or at-risk conditions and their families. 

Course content includes:

  • Service coordination
  • Interagency coordination
  • Inclusive practices and least restrictive environments
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Program administration

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 administrative aspects of service delivery systems for young children with disabilities or at-risk conditions and their families, this course will prepare each student to:

  1. Advocate for professional status and working conditions for those who serve infants and young children, and their families 
  2. Involve families in evaluation of services 
  3. Reflect on personal cultural biases and differences that affect one’s teaching 
  4. Pursue a continuum of lifelong professional development 
  5. Practice within the CEC Code of Ethics and other standards of the profession 
  6. Demonstrate knowledge of the national and state requirements for early childhood special education in the implementation of IDEIA, including regulations, judicial mandates, legal decisions, and policy issues.
  7. Identify and communicate elements of quality early childhood services.
  8. Examine ethical issues related to services with and for children with disabilities and their families.
  9. Identify steps in developing and evaluating child find programs for the birth through five populations.

VIII. Assessment Measures:

  1. Taking formal tests and/or quizzes to assess mastery of course goals
  2. Participating in class discussions, small group activities, and reflective writing
  3. Completing other assignments as deemed appropriate.

Other Course information:

This course is a required professional education course for the early childhood special education teaching licensure option.

Review and Approval

Revised May, 2009

August 2020

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