Singapore University of Social Sciences

Special Needs in the Early Years

Special Needs in the Early Years (SPE209)

Synopsis

SPE209 Special Needs in the Early Years examines special needs in the early years of child development. Developmental problems pose challenges to early detection, as symptoms can be difficult to discriminate from features of typical development. Early identification of children with developmental delays is thus important. In the Singaporean context, developmental screening is essential to the process of accessing support services of early intervention and early childhood special education.

Level: 2
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every semester

Topics

  • Early Childhood Education (ECE) Systems, Contexts and Pedagogical Frameworks
  • Challenges to Early Detection
  • Early intervention and Early Childhood Special Education
  • Developmentally Appropriate Practice
  • Developmental Screening and Monitoring
  • Developing Routine-Based Intervention Plans
  • Provision of Early Intervention for Supporting Infants and Toddlers and their Families
  • Family Context of Development
  • Strategies for Social Interaction in Early Childhood Special Education
  • Strategies for Environmental Awareness in Early Childhood Special Education
  • Designing Services and Supports for Pre-School Children with Special Educational Needs
  • Implementing Services and Supports for Pre-School Children with Special Educational Needs

Learning Outcome

  • Identify factors that influence child development.
  • Compare the different ECE systems of pedagogy and their theoretical frameworks.
  • Examine the family-centered approach in supporting Special Educational Needs in the early years.
  • Create plans for routine-based intervention within the natural environment of children with Special Educational Needs.
  • Demonstrate application of strategies that promote social interaction and environmental awareness for children with Special Educational Needs.
  • Determine goals for the support of Special Educational Needs based on milestones of skills development in different domains.
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