This course provides an overview of disabilities and exceptionalities (including giftedness, ethno-racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity) in children ages 0-12. Models for understanding disability, such as medical, social, interpretive, and cultural models are discussed. Students learn strategies for creating and adapting programming and the learning environment to promote the development, learning, and inclusion of children with disabilities and exceptionalities. Consideration is given to children's lived experiences and their ability to access and actively participate in early learning opportunities with specific attention given to philosophies of inclusion and creating inclusive early learning environments. An introduction to critical disability studies in early childhood education and its application to professional practice is provided.
This course provides an overview of disabilities and exceptionalities (including giftedness, ethno-racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity) in children ages 0-12. Models for understanding disability, such as medical, social, interpretive, and cultural models are discussed. Students learn strategies for creating and adapting programming and the learning environment to promote the development, learning, and inclusion of children with disabilities and exceptionalities. Consideration is given to children's lived experiences and their ability to access and actively participate in early learning opportunities with specific attention given to philosophies of inclusion and creating inclusive early learning environments. An introduction to critical disability studies in early childhood education and its application to professional practice is provided.
