SPE 464 Early Childhood Special Education

This is a Web-based course taught by Paige R. Mask, Ph.D.

Dr. Paige R. Mask email: maskp@sfasu.edu (936) 468-1076

Course Description
This course will provide an overview of the field of early childhood special education, including both early interventions for infants and toddlers (ECI) and preschool programs for children with disabilities (PPCD).

Course Objectives

1. Know the rationale for early intervention and be able to explain the importance of early intervention. 

2. Understand the similarities and differences between ECI and PPCD.

3. Recognize the effects of developmental impairments on a child's ability to interact with others and the environment.

4.Understand the importance of sensory integration for children with disabilities.

5.Know the purpose, importance, and limitations of early identification, referral, and screening.

6.Become familiar with a variety of procedures and instruments to assess the functional levels, strengths, and needs of young children including play based assessment.

7.Understand the concept of family centered practices with respect to families' values, language, and culture. Know how to identify strengths and coping strategies in families. Know approaches and strategies for working with families.

8.Be familiar with current models of inclusion and its impact on children with disabilities.

9.Know the required content and elements of Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP) and how to integrate information identified by families about a child's functioning, strengths, needs, and outcomes. Know the required content of IEP's for children ages 3-5.

10. Become familiar with interdisciplinary teamwork and the roles of ECI and PPCD team members.

11. Know ECI requirements for procedural safeguards, policies on services in natural environments, service coordination requirements, and required procedures for transitioning children and families from ECI programs.

12. Be familiar with services offered and curricula used in ECI and PPCD programs.

13. Be familiar with community services and professionals available to families of young children with disabilities.

14. Have a general understanding of the Picture Exchange Communication System.

15. Understand applications of technology for children with disabilities.

16. Be familiar with behavioral strategies and compliance programs for young children with special needs.

17. Learn general instructional strategies for specific disabilities.

18. Understand that cultural and poverty impact the service provider / home relationship.

Course Prerequisites
None

Graded Requirements

The format for this course includes lectures, group activities, scheduled assignments with deadlines, offline reading assignments, online reading and participation using web pages, email, and Discussion Board. Assessment of course content will be conducted via scheduled online quizzes and exams. To be successful in this course, the typical student should plan to spend at least 4-6 hours per week working on this course. Course information will be dispersed through online learning modules and face-to-face meetings. Students are expected to read chapter assignments prior to completing learning modules.

Textbook Requirements
Gargiulo, R. M., Kilgo, J. L. second edition (2005). Young Children with Special Needs. Albany, NY: Delmar. ISBN 1-4018-6082-6

Course Format and Participation Requirements
The format for this course includes scheduled assignments and deadlines, offline reading assignments and projects, online readings and participation using web pages, email, discussion boards, and chat. The course includes scheduled online quizzes and exams. Students may be required to arrange two visits to his or her local ECI program. All exams are online. To be successful in this course, the typical student should plan to spend at least 4-6 hours per week working on this course.

On-campus or Face-to-Face Meeting Requirements
None

Course Assessment
Exams - Six exams will be given to assess students understanding of course content. The exams will be delivered via WebCT and timed. The 6th or final exam will be comprehensive. Students may take exams 1-5 an unlimited number of times in order to study for the final comprensive exam; however the first attempt at exams 1-5 will be the final grade. Students are encouraged to call student WebCT support (468-1919) prior to taking his or her first exam. The purpose of this contact is to make sure your personal computer is compatible with WebCT.

Group Work - Students will work collaboratively in groups for assignments and the group presentation. Students must access myCourses weekly in order to get updated class information and assignments.

Evaluation and Assessments (Grading):

6 Exams - (50 points each) 300 points

Assignments (22 @ 10 points each) 220 points

Grading Scale:

520-468 = A

467-416 = B

415-364 = C

363-312 = D

311 and below = F

Effort Expected
This is a 3-credit-hour course. To be successful in this course, the typical student should plan to spend at least 4-6 hours per week working on this course. This estimate is for the fall and spring semesters; if the course is offered during the summer course, more time per week may be necessary. Course information will be dispersed through online learning modules. Students are expected to read chapter assignments prior to completing learning modules.

Technical Requirements for the Course
Other than the minimum technical requirements for any course, students will need PowerPoint software and Real Player software.

Before the Course Begins

Complete the Getting Started area of sfaonline.

Register and pay for the course just as you would any other SFA course.

As soon as you are registered, please send an email message to the instructor.

Carefully read and complete all steps of Getting a myCourses Username and PIN.

F-1 Visa Holders
There are important federal regulations pertaining to distance education activity for F-1 Visa holders. All students with an F-1 Visa should follow the instructions at the following link to make sure they are in compliance.
http://www.oit.sfasu.edu/disted/facsup/f1visa.html

RESOURCE LINKS:

Prepare for an online course:	Getting Started
Order your textbooks online:	Textbooks
Log on to your course:	myCourses Logon
SFA has a mandatory email policy:	Enable your SFA email account