Common Course Outline

Catalog Description

Course Description

Young children with exceptions benefit from early intervention and inclusive practices. Effective early childhood teachers believe all children can succeed, set high expectations, remove barriers, and provide individualized accommodations that honor family’s priorities. This course examines exceptionalities of children, disability rights, the impact on families, explores the importance of individualized teaching and learning that supporting all children to be successful in the classroom.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

December, 2024

Outline of Major Content Areas

1. Disability Studies
2. Types of Disabilities
3. Identification and Assessment
4. Relationship-based Approach
5. Collaborating with families
6. Curriculum modifications and adaptations

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

1. Identify the exceptional needs of students, including those with disabilities and giftedness, and knows how to use strategies and resources to address these needs.
2. Identify the stereotypical attitudes toward people with disabilities and how they impact children and families.
3. Research areas of exceptionalities in learning, including learning disabilities, perceptual difficulties, physical challenges, mental challenges, and giftedness.
4. Examine the developmental and education implications on children with disabilities and delays.
5. Discuss children’s rights and a teacher’s responsibility to provide equal and appropriate education for children with disabilities.
6. Discuss how children can and should learn at the highest possible levels and the role of teachers in helping all students achieve success.
7. Examine relationship-based approached to inclusion.
8. Develop, plan and implement learning experiences that are adapted to a child with exceptionalities that use the child’s strengths as a basis for growth and limitations as opportunities for learning.
9. Describe the referral, screening, evaluation, and progress monitoring processes.
10. Apply family-centered practice to support and assist families in understanding the impact of developmental delays or disabilities, setting priorities, and accessing resources or services.
11. Demonstrate confidentiality, data privacy, and ethical and respectful communication with parents or guardians, families, school colleagues, and the community to support child learning and well-being.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

NA

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

• Discussion Participation
• Written assignments
• Exams
• Project

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Global Awareness and Diversity

Students will demonstrate an understanding of and respect for human diversity through their words and actions.

Special Information (if any)

None