Caring for Young Children with Special Needs

Unit 1:Foundations for Success
Chapter 1: The Meaning of Inclusion
1. NAEYC DEC Position Statement on Inclusion
2. Program Philosophies of Inclusion
3. Practical Application

Chapter 2: Disability Law and Early Childhood
1. The Americans Disabilities Act
2. The Individual with Disabilities Act
3. Practical Application: Why Disability Law Matters to Child Care

Unit 2: Setting the Framework
Chapter 3: Creating a Sense of Belonging
1. More Alike than Different
2. No Expulsion
3. Practical Application

Chapter 4: Typical and Atypical Development
1. Defining typical and atypical development
2. Developmental Milestones
3. Red Flags and Developmental Delays
4. Practical Application

Unit 3: Specific Adaptations by Disability
Chapter 5: Gross and Fine Motor Delays
1. What is a motor delay? Common causes and implications
2. What is gross and fine motor?
3. Practical Application: Strategies for adaptations

Chapter 6: Autism Spectrum Disorder
1. What is ASD? Myths and Facts
2. Major Characteristics of Children with ASD
3. Practical Application: Strategies for Adaptations

Chapter 7: Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder
1. What is ADHD: Fact and Fiction
2. Major characteristics of children with ADHD
3. Practical Application: Strategies for Adaptations

Chapter 8: Speech and Language Delays
1. What are Common Speech and Language delays?
2. Speech and language delay impacts on young children
3. Practical Application: Strategies for Adaptations

Chapter 9: Sensory Processing Disorder
1. What is SPD
2. Behavioral implications of SPD in Young Children
3. Practical Application: Strategies for adaptations

Chapter 10: Hearing and Visual Impairment
1. Types of Hearing and Visual Impairment
2. Implications of hearing and visual impairment to development
3. Practical Application: Designing a program

Chapter 11: Anxiety Disorder
1. Defining Terms: Anxiousness or Anxiety Disorder
2. Impact of anxiety and fearfulness on young children in child care settings
3. Practical Application: Strategies for adaptations

Final Chapter: Putting it all together
1. Confidentiality
2. Supporting Families
3. Working with other professionals
4. Children are Children First

Resources