CHLD 164: The Child with Special Needs

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2021
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Strongly Recommended: ENGL 101.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: No
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

A presentation of different types of atypical development that interfere with physical, cognitive, social, behavioral and emotional growth from preschool through early school-age children. Emphasis on the importance of cultural sensitivity and family partnership. Includes an overview of historical and societal influences, laws relating to children with special needs, and the identification and referral process. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • Understand and describe the various classifications of exceptionality
  • Identify barriers evident in society that impact disabled children
  • Recognize the individuality of children with any exceptionality
  • Explain special education legislation including the Individualized Family Service Plan and the role of the multidisciplinary team
  • Explain trends and issues related to special education
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the use of observation and understand assessment with regard to referral and placement in educational settings
  • Recognize the importance of cultural sensitivity when working with families.

Major Course Content

  1. Typical Cognitive, Social/Emotional Language, and Motor Development of Children
  2. Exploration of the Typical-Atypical Continuum of Development
  3. Special Funding, Legal Procedures and Laws Relating to Children with Disabilities
    1. Title 22
    2. ADA
    3. IDEA
    4. Lanterman Act
    5. California Regional Centers
  4. Survey of Areas of Exceptionality
    1. Physical abilities
    2. Brain processing
    3. Emotional function
    4. Social/behavioral abilities
    5. Sensory processing
  5. Education Methods Used In Special Education
  6. Community, Professional Resources and Educational Support Services
    1. Referral process
    2. Community resources
  7. Impact on families
    1. Grief, stress and coping strategies
    2. Supporting families
    3. Diverse perspectives

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Hooper,S.. Young Children With Special Needs, 6th ed. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson, 2014

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Describe all aspects of the development of an Individual Education Program: who is involved, what short and long term goals are set, who will deliver the services and how parents are involved in the process of development and response to the IEP for their child

Examples of Outside Assignments

Conduct an interview of a family with special needs child, discuss the Individual Education Program with the parents of a child with special needs. Prepare a written summary of the family's strengths and challenges. Then, compile resources that meet the needs of the children with special needs and their families.

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Online Education Lecture