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.

In this course students will analyze the major theories of behavior. Students will evaluate effective strategies for both practitioners and families to use to promote optimal behavior in a diverse childhood population. In addition, students will create an environment that is inclusive of different behavioral needs. Finally, students will design an individual behavioral support plan for specific disruptive behaviors.  Prerequisite: ECD 405

This course provides students with an analysis of theories and approaches for working with children, families, and the community. Students will examine how culture and family structure influences a child’s learning and development. Additionally, students will synthesize how children’s needs are met and supported through the family and community environment as socializing agents. Finally, students will evaluate family and community programs, agencies and resources that support the diverse needs of children.  

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 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. 

An interdisciplinary study of peacemaking and activism with a focus on how they impact conflict resolution.Students examine thinking and behavior in response to social conflict such as aggression, threats, prejudice, avoidance, withdrawal, conformity, and obedience. Students study various strategies of peacemaking, activism, and negotiation and then apply these methods to in class activities.

The content in this course will allow students to analyze the purpose of assessment in supporting children across all developmental domains. Using this foundation, students will examine the practical application of assessment tools and utilize assessment strategies to enhance the growth and development of children. Finally, students will synthesize their learning by developing an assessment portfolio that contains a plan for interventions to meet the developmental needs of diverse children.

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 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.