0 or 4 credits
Fall 2026 Experiential Lecture Travel Time Upper Division
An introduction to the field of early intervention / early childhood special education including its origin, services, and practices in working with young children birth through 3rd grade/age 8 with or at risk for developmental delays and disabilities and their families. Designing curriculum, environments, and services where all children are included, have equal opportunity for access and engagement, and feel a sense of belonging is addressed. Throughout the course, instruction and intervention practices that support children with language, early reading, and early writing difficulties are examined and applied. Field-based experiences in early childhood special education are included.
Learning Outcomes1Discuss origins of early intervention / early childhood special education including key legislation affecting young children (0-8) who have or are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities, including early identification of learning disabilities such as reading difficulties and dyslexia, and their families.
2Describe the value of and process for fostering family participation and professional-family collaboration in order to plan and implement family concerns, priorities, and access resources in intervention and education of young children (0-8) who have or are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities and their families, including concerns related to early language and reading development.
3Explain considerations including individualized and culturally / linguistically appropriate service delivery models, assessment, and curriculum for designing and organizing learning environments and experiences for young children (0-8) who have or are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities, including children with early language-based reading difficulties or characteristics of dyslexia.
4Evaluate, select, implement, and reflect on individually and culturally/linguistically appropriate evidence-based instructional strategies and interventions for young children (0-8) who have or are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities.
5Utilize appropriate teaming and collaboration models, skills, processes, and strategies to engage with families and other professionals in the development of individualized intervention and transition plans.
6Discuss current issues in providing effective early intervention / early childhood special education services for young children and their families including intervention planning and implementation for children with reading difficulties and dyslexia.
7Exhibit growth in professional behavior related to the field of early intervention / early childhood special education.
8Demonstrate the dispositions and skills of a developing early childhood educator, as described in the course syllabus and in the practicum evaluation.
Prerequisites
Restrictions
made by Purdue students.