Early Childhood Education - Special Needs Certificate

This curriculum is designed to prepare early childhood educators to recognize children with typical and atypical developmental needs and plan appropriate care and education to meet their needs. Course work includes child development, observation and assessment, and an introduction to children with exceptionalities. Specific courses in behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, sensory and physical disabilities, and developmental delays are also included. Students should be able to plan and implement developmentally appropriate experiences that stimulate all young children's development and learning, provide an optimal learning environment that is safe and healthy, provide positive guidance for all children, and communicate effectively with the children, co-workers, and parents.