Child Development: Special Education Assistant

This course covers community resources that identify, support, and enhance the lives of children and families with special needs. Agencies concerned with the health, education, and welfare of children and families with special needs are studied in depth along with the influence of culture and family structures on student outcome.

This is a survey course that introduces the spectrum in development of children with special needs ages birth through eight and the resulting impact on families. This course includes an overview of historical and societal influences, laws relating to children with special needs, early intervention as well as the identification and referral process.

Students will plan, prepare, execute and evaluate various experiences with individuals with special needs in schools and agencies in the greater Long Beach area. Students will learn specific techniques of working with children, adults, parents and staff to provide an appropriate experience for the individual with special needs. There are 54 lab hours required for this course.Proof of current state mandated immunizations and negative TB status and fingerprint clearance are required to participate. Instructor approval required. According to SB 792, effective September 1. 2016, a person may not be employed or volunteer at a child care center or family child care home unless he or she has been immunized against influenza, pertussis, and measles (Health and Safety Code sections 1596, 7995 (a) (2)).

This course covers curriculum and intervention strategies for working with children with special needs in partnership with their families. Focuses on the use of observation and assessment in meeting the individualized needs of children in inclusive and natural environments. Includes the role of the teacher as a professional working with families, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and cultural competence.