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CHD 210: Introduction to Exceptional Children (3 Credits)
Overview

This course will introduce you to the techniques, responsibilities, legal requirements (and I hope the joy) of working with children with exceptional needs. 

Question: Who are children with exceptional needs?

Answer: They are children whose development is atypical that is, outside of the normal developmental range for their age. This includes all areas of development--cognitive, physical, language, social and emotional development. Children with exceptional or special needs usually are assessed as below the normal developmental expectations for their age in one or more of these developmental areas. However, these also includes children above those norms who may be classified as gifted. 

The focus of this course is on identification of these children and determination of the best choice of resources to assist them in reaching their potential.

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Objectives
 

If you do well in this course, you will be able to:

  1. Explain the historical contributions and legal bases that form the foundation of early childhood special education.
  2. Describe typical developmental characteristics of young children and identify situations or events that may be considered risk factors for developmental delays or atypical development.
  3. Plan an appropriate individualized curriculum that considers physical, cognitive, social, and emotional differences among children.
  4. Select age and stage appropriate materials, activities and environments for young children with diverse needs and demonstrate strategies for adapting toys, materials, and learning environments.
  5. Identify various agencies providing early intervention and support for families with children having or at risk for special needs.
  6. Identify the range of positive guidance strategies appropriate for use with young children with diverse needs.
  7. Utilize effective techniques for communicating and collaborating with families of children with special needs.
  8. Identify and apply learning standards as they relate to exceptional children: from the Virginia Foundation Blocks, the Child Development Milestones, the Virginia Standards of Learning, and Core Competencies for Early Childhood Professionals.
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Materials
 

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Grading
 

Possible Assignments Include: (Subject to change each semester. The actual assignments are available in the Syllabus in the Blackboard course site on the first day of classes.)

Assignment
Points
Forums
 
2 Exams @ 75 point
150

Your final grade may be based on the following scale. Please note that you must also pass at least several exams in order to pass the course, regardless of your scores on the other assignments.

Grading Scale
A
900-1000
B
800-899
C
700-799
D
600-699
F
Fewer than 599 points
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Exams
 

There are 2 exams in this course.

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ELI Policies and Procedures
 
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Beginning the Course
 

Last Updated: September 13, 2011