General Information

• Name: The Exceptional Child
• Discipline: Early Childhood Education (ECE)
• Units (Credits): 3
• Schedule History: See when this course was offered over the last three years.
• Transfer Information: Courses with numbers 100 to 299: This course is designed to apply toward a WNC degree and/or transfer to other schools within the Nevada System of Higher Education, depending on the degree chosen and other courses completed. It may transfer to colleges and universities outside Nevada. For information about how this course can transfer and apply to your program of study, please contact a counselor.
• Academic Division: Social Science, Education, Humanities & Public Service
• Prerequisites: None

Course Outline

I: Catalog Course Description

Surveys the characteristics and specific needs of special children. Emphasizes teaching and behavioral management as well as available support services.

II: Course Objectives

By the end of the semester the student will be able to:

• Know the characteristics, by definition, of exceptional children and be able to explain the educational and emotional needs of each different group.
• Understand terms like Down Syndrome, learning disabilities, emotional retardation, mental retardation, gifted.
• Demonstrate how to include children with disabilities into the "typical" classroom.
• Define individual screening, assessment, and individual Educational Plans for children with special needs.
• To adapt the environment for special children.
• Provide a plan for parents to participate in the total education of their child.
• Describe how people think and feel about disabilities.
• Know the existing federal, state, and local agencies and services available to parents and teachers of special children.
• Distinguish between developmental sequences and developmental milestones of motor, cognitive, psychosocial and language development.
• Discuss the correlation between poverty and developmental disabilities in young children.
• Describe social and political forces that helped bring about federal legislation on behalf of exceptional children, including the gifted.
• Trace society's changing attitudes toward children with handicaps.
• Discuss inclusion in terms of early development, critical learning periods, and teachable moments.

III: Course Linkage

Linkage of course to educational program mission and at least one educational program outcome.

Linkage to General Education Mission and Outcomes Students who complete this course are expected to demonstrate they: Communication • Have college-level skills in reading, writing and oral communication appropriate to their degree and/or emphasis. Analysis • understand the role of science and technology in the modern world • have effective and efficient learning skills, including the location and evaluation of information Personal Development • work effectively with others Community Commitment • know the basic principles and processed of government at the local, state, national and international levels • understand the importance of cultural traditions, diversity, and ethics in the modern world