Course description
Level One
ECE8090 Working With Complex Families
Description: This course will focus on the role of the resource teacher/consultant in fostering partnerships with families that are meaningful, co-operative, professional and productive. Emphasis will be placed on applying family systems theory in everyday interactions with families. Strategies for enabling families that recognize diversity and are sensitive to cultural, racial, social, and economic differences will be explored. The student will gain a comprehensive view of the needs and strengths of the family, as a basis for providing individualized and relevant interventions and supports to the family and their child with a special need.
Hours: 36
Credits: 3
CoRequisites: ECE8120
ECE8100 Issues In Resource Teaching
Description: This issues-oriented course examines topics related to the role and function of the resource teacher/consultant including the holistic approach to early childhood education. For children with special needs and their families, normalization and the impact of current legislation on the care and education of children within an inclusive environment are reviewed. A variety of modes for effective use of community resources will also be discussed as well as labeling and its impact.
Hours: 36
Credits: 3
CoRequisites: ECE8110
ECE8110 A Developmental Approach
Description: The course with a basis in normal child development will focus on the implementation of a holistic and inclusive approach with the young child with exceptionalities. This course will integrate theory, current research and practice in each developmental domain and will examine the impact of exceptionality on the child's optimal growth and development.
Hours: 36
Credits: 3
CoRequisites: ECE8100
ECE8120 Screening Assessment And Determining Factors
Description: This course focuses on a variety of assessment procedures that assist in identifying developmental and behavioural challenges among preschoolers. A variety of assessment tools and practices are examined and discussed.
Hours: 36
Credits: 3
CoRequisites: ECE8090
ECE8130 Inclusive Program Planning
Description: This course is designed to familiarize the learner with the principles of the program planning process. Through the preparation of a program plan the learner will incorporate his/her understanding of child development and assessment results. Components of the program plan will include strengths and needs, short term and long term outcomes and the evaluation of the process. The overall aim of this course is the successful inclusion of the child in a group setting.
The learner will demonstrate the use of the trans-disciplinary team approach (parents, professionals, consultants and specialists) to effectively set priorities and goals; and to analyze tasks. He/she will be able to demonstrate effective problem solving and develop and maintain written reports and statements of progress.
Hours: 36
Credits: 3
CoRequisites: ECE8140
ECE8140 Community Advocacy And Resource Co-Ordination
Description: This issues-oriented course examines topics related to the role and function of the resource teacher/consultant including the holistic approach to early childhood education. For children with special needs and their families, normalization and the impact of current legislation on the care and education of children within an inclusive environment are reviewed. A variety of modes for effective use of community resources, will also be discussed as well as labeling and its impact.
Hours: 36
Credits: 3
CoRequisites: ECE8130
ECE8150 Field Practicum I
Description: The learner will begin to integrate theory and practice by working in an integrated setting for one hundred and fifty (150) hours of supervised field placement, with a Resource Teacher. The learner will observe and analyze the role of the Resource Teacher and work as a team member with the Resource Teacher to plan, implement and evaluate at lease one individual program plan. Additional (15) hours consist of documented visits to five (5) centers or agencies that provide services to children with special needs. PLEASE NOTE: TO MAXIMIZE THE GROWTH OF THE LEARNER FROM THE FIELD EXPERIENCE, ONE PLACEMENT SHOULD BE COMPLETED OUTSIDE THE LEARNER'S PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT. UNDER SOME CIRCUMSTANCES AND WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE COLLEGE, INDIVIDUAL SITUATIONS MAY ALLOW FOR AN EXCEPTION.
Hours: 165
Credits: 6
ECE8160 Field Practicum II
Description: Learners will continue to integrate theory and practice by working with children and their families for a total of one hundred and fifty (150) hours of supervised field placement. Learners will develop, implement and evaluate individual program plans by using input from the family and other professionals. The learner will demonstrate the ability to meet at least one family's needs as she/he works with the child who has an exceptionality. The learner will make home visits, consult with other professionals and demonstrate an ability to integrate the family's needs, when developing and implementing an Individual Program Plan.
By the end of this placement, the learner will apply the cumulative skills from this program. She/he will be an effective member of the multi-disciplinary team and will be able to demonstrate leadership, problem-solving and consultative skills. PLEASE NOTE: TO MAXIMIZE THE GROWTH OF THE LEARNER FROM THE FIELD EXPERIENCE, ONE PLACEMENT SHOULD BE COMPLETED OUTSIDE THE LEARNER'S PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT. UNDER SOME CIRCUMSTANCES AND WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE COLLEGE, INDIVIDUAL SITUATIONS MAY ALLOW FOR AN EXCEPTION.
Hours: 150
Credits: 5
