SED ED 560 explores current research and quality indicators for the care and education of infants and toddlers in a variety of home and community settings and applies these to curriculum and program development for infants and toddlers. Through a family-centered and relationship-based framework, students will learn to construct individualized, routine-based activities and learning opportunities that are play-based and developmentally responsive to the unique needs of each infant, toddler and her/his family. This course will focus on all aspects of early health and development and will address how to promote cognitive, social and language development as well as environmental design for center-based programs. Students will consider how cultural, social and economic factors influence policy and early education practice for infants, toddlers and their families.
Topics include special education laws, policy development, curriculum theory and application, and advocacy and ethics for infants, toddlers, and their families. In addition, programming for infants and toddlers with specific developmental needs will be addressed through family involvement, environmental adaptations, and service coordination. Program Development will be based on a family-centered and culturally responsive philosophy. Students taking this class will need to have ongoing contact with staff and families in an Early Intervention Program and/or Infant/Toddler childcare setting to complete the assignments. 3 cr.