EDUC& 204 - Exceptional Child

Credits: 5
Introduces the characteristics and educational needs of exceptional children. Discusses autism, learning disabilities, communication disorders, ADD, developmental disabilities, vision and hearing impairments, and orthopedic/health impairments. Presents history, theory, and current research. Appropriate for those working with children ages birth through adolescence.

Course Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

Define terminology related to special education and explain the functional approach to providing special education services.
Describe the effects of historical forces, and the impact of legislation on special education.
Discuss with competence special education issues, normalization and it’s effects, IEP components, diverse cultural backgrounds, and children “at risk” for handicapping conditions.
Define and understand visual impairment, physical and health related disabilities, learning disabilities, behavioral disabilities.
Engage with individual differences through field experiences and personal interactions with children with special needs.

Program Outcomes

Use developmental milestones and observations of children’s behavior as a foundation for planning appropriate activities.
Advocate for strategies that promote the cultural diversity of children, families and their communities.
Demonstrate effective written, verbal and non-verbal communication.
Discuss current issues and trends in early childhood education.
Identify typical and atypical growth and development (cognitive, linguistic, motor, and social).
Positively support children’s whole development.
Display a positive attitude and enthusiasm for the job
Develop rapport and contribute to the work environment as a member of the instructional team.
Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct
Comply with laws (such as IDEA, Section 504, ADA), workplace policies, and procedures in relation to confidentiality, reporting of abuse, discipline, chain of command and delegation and supervision.

College-wide Outcomes

Critical Thinking - Critical thinking finds expression in all disciplines and everyday life. It is characterized by an ability to reflect upon thinking patterns, including the role of emotions on thoughts, and to rigorously assess the quality of thought through its work products. Critical thinkers routinely evaluate thinking processes and alter them, as necessary, to facilitate an improvement in their thinking and potentially foster certain dispositions or intellectual traits over time.
Responsibility - Responsibility encompasses those behaviors and dispositions necessary for students to be effective members of a community. This outcome is designed to help students recognize the value of a commitment to those responsibilities which will enable them to work successfully individually and with others.
Written Communication - Written Communication encompasses all the abilities necessary for effective expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas in written form.