EDU 230 - Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education and Inclusion

Description
This course is an introduction to special education and inclusion for young children. Emphasis is on observing and measuring variations in development and recognizing opportunities to use evidence-based practices to support inclusion. Using environments and interactions to support individual children and prevent challenging behavior is emphasized. Lab participation in a special education setting is required.

Note: Students enrolled in Child Development Lab classes automatically undergo a Criminal Background Check and a Public Sex Offender Registry Check.

If, as a result of the criminal background check, or if Grand Rapids Community College learns through an authoritative source, that a student has been convicted of ANY FELONY, or is listed on the Public Sex Offender Registry, the student will be refused lab placement and removed from the course.

Complete Policy Information is provided on the GRCC Education Website.

Credit Hours: 4
Contact Hours: 5
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: C or Higher in the following courses: EDU 118 and [EDU 227 or EDU 210]
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: Yes
Course Fees: $10.00
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Course is a Requirement:
Child Development, A.A.A.S., Child Development (MTA Eligible), A.A.A.S., Child Development, A.A.A.S. (Western MI Univ - Child Dev. | Family Sci./Serv. | Youth/Com. Dev.), Child Development, A.A.A.S. (Western Michigan University - Early Childhood General and Special Education: Birth through Kindergarten), Paraprofessional Education, A.A.A.S., Pre-Birth to Kindergarten, A.A. (Grand Valley State University), Pre-Early Childhood Education, A.A. (Ferris State University), Pre-Elementary Education, A.A. (Ferris State University)

Other Courses Where This Course is a Prerequisite: None
Other Courses Where this Course is a Corequisite: None
Other Courses Where This course is included in within the Description: None

General Education Requirement:
None
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
NA
Course Learning Outcomes:

Define the early childhood special education process as specified by both IDEA and Michigan.
Understand the components of the IEP process.
Demonstrate the ability to incorporate and address IEP goals in a child’s daily home and program learning opportunities.
Demonstrate an understanding of tiered models of support for young children with or at risk for disabilities, including the Pyramid model and Response to Intervention (RTI).
Understand the importance of screening, referral, evaluation, and assessment as parts of the early childhood special education process.
Apply an understanding of evidence-based practices that support inclusion (e.g., universal design for learning, assistive tools, embedded instruction, peer supports, scaffolding).
Understand differences among types of disabilities and where to get information about each.
Understand the components of effective transitions.

Course Outline:
I. IDEA

II. Michigan Early Learning Standards

III. DEC of CEC Recommended Practices

IV. IEP Process

V. Inclusion and Early Intervention

VI. Pyramid Models (RTI, PBIS, CSEFEL)

VII. Challenging Behaviors

VIII. Cara’s Kit

IX. Trauma and its Relationship to Disabilities

X. Assistive Technology

XI. PEATS Suite

XII. Transitions

XIII. Disability Papers and Resource Glossary (specific disabilities emphasized)

XIV. Lab Placements

A. Lab familiarization

B. Appropriate practices

C. Observing children

D. Expectations for lab experiences/confidentiality

Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
Yes
Instructional Strategies:
Lecture: 15-30%

Discussion: 15-30%

Video and resource materials: 10-20%

Small group work: 10-20%

Lab participation: 30%
Mandatory Course Components:
Mid-Term Exam

Final Exam
Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: None

Course-Specific Placement Test:
Course Aligned with ARW/IRW Pairing: N/A

Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
Inclusion Paper

Disability Paper/Presentation

Teaching Philosophy Statement

Case Study including Personas or IEP Assignment

Lab Components

Course Type:
Program Requirement- Offering designed to meet the learning needs of students in a specific GRCC program.
Course Format:
Lecture/Lab - Must meet Lecture & Lab Ratios
Total Lecture Hours Per Week: 3
Total Lab Hours Per Week: 2
People Soft Course ID Number: 100845
Course CIP Code: 19.9999
Maximum Course Enrollment:
General Room Request: Adult classroom at the ECLL

School: School of Liberal Arts
Department: Education
Discipline: EDU
1st Catalog Year: 2022-2023
Faculty Credential Requirements:
18 graduate credit hours in discipline being taught (HLC Requirement), Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement), Professionally qualified through work experience in field (Perkins Act or Other) (list below)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
An instructor must possess an MA or MS degree, certified to teach special needs, and 2 years work experience with children and families in the special needs population. Instructor must keep current with changes in special education. Should have knowledge of human growth and development, anatomy and physiology, and medical terminology.

Major Course Revisions: Prerequisite
Last Revision Date Effective: 20250303T10:14:02
Course Review & Revision Year: 2029-2030