ECD Early Childhood Development Courses at Global Campus

In this course students will study atypical development. Students will differentiate between genetic and environmental factors that impact development. Students will also examine contemporary issues and trends related to children with exceptionalities. In addition students will analyze strategies for professionals and families that best support children with high incidence disabilities. Finally, students will summarize evidence based best practices for meeting the needs of diverse learners in inclusive settings. 

This course provides an introduction to early intervention for children and their families (birth to age 3). Students will explain the historical, legal and educational basis for early intervention. Subsequently, students will describe professional standards and ethics and their relationship to early intervention. Students will analyze the roles of early educators in the delivery of instructional services for young children. In addition, students will explain early intervention strategies and services and create a plan for collaborating with families and other professionals. 

In this course students will learn about creating safe and healthy learning environments for young children. Students will identify key policies, standards, and best practices for healthy early learning settings. Additionally, students will utilize health assessments to support children’s physical and mental health. Students will apply health and safety standards to prevent, identify, and manage infectious illnesses. They will create a plan to support the inclusion of children with special healthcare needs and children exposed to maltreatment in early learning settings. Finally, students will evaluate key elements of a safe early learning environment for children.

This course provides an examination of educational approaches and their impact on the practice of creating inclusive learning environments for children with exceptionalities. Students will examine methods of assessment and apply evidence-based instructional methods and strategies to support children with diverse needs in inclusive settings. In addition, students will analyze the collaborative models in inclusive settings that support and serve children and their families. Finally, students will create a professional and ethics-based philosophy of inclusion for children with exceptionalities.

This course examines the principles and practices of curriculum planning and design tailored for diverse young children, birth to age 8. Students will explore differentiated instruction, research-based curriculum, and pedagogical approaches across several content areas. Students will learn to create inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and challenging learning experiences and environments for diverse young children. The National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Council for Exceptional Children standards are integrated into the coursework.

This course provides students with a foundation of theoretical perspectives and research related to cognitive and language development in diverse learners, with a focus on both typical and atypical trajectories. The course emphasizes the assessment and identification of children with atypical language development, equipping them with the skills to recognize and address these needs through interventions and alternative communication systems. Finally, students develop strategies for collaborating with families and other professionals to support the holistic development of children with exceptionalities. Prerequisite: ECD 310

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to special education in early settings. Students will examine legislation that impacts current early intervention and special education practices in learning settings. In addition, students will apply ethical principles to decision making in early learning settings considering the rights and well-being of children with exceptional needs. Students will also focus on explaining appropriate service plans adhering to current laws and legislation related to special education. Finally, students will advocate for inclusive practices for children and families within the framework of special education laws and ethics.

In this course, students will examine approaches and critical perspectives in multicultural education that acknowledge and support the needs of diverse children and families. Students will design activities and environments that are culturally and linguistically inclusive as well assess personal cultural competence and context for the purpose of building respectful, reciprocal relationships with diverse children and families. Finally, students will evaluate how families and culture affect the development of the child in order to plan for bias-free interactions and environments.