Early Language and Literacy Development, Kent, Summer 2026

Course Number:	EDU 5515 S12
Instructor:	Danielle Kent, M.S.
Location:	In-person & online.
Dates and Times:	June 20- August 15, 2026.This class has 3 meeting times where students are expected to attend: Online (Synchronous Meeting): June 27th, 2026 8:30-3:00 Zoom Online (Synchronous Meeting): July 11th, 2026 8:30-3:00 Zoom In person meeting: August 1st, 2026 8:30-3:00 Montpelier In addition to these times, on 4 out of the 5 weeks we work asynchronously, you will meet in teams to discuss the content and given prompts for the week. There will be five meeting opportunities, but you as a group will be given a mulligan or an ‘off’ week. This meeting should not take more than 45-60 minutes.
Credits:	3 credits
Tuition:	Set by and payable to VT-HEC

Course Description

Course Description:

This course focuses on the nature of language development (including phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics) from infancy through grade three and includes a focus on the development of these skills in preschool and kindergarten. Various theoretical perspectives on how language develops will be discussed. This course provides a basic understanding of cultural and linguistic aspects of first and second language acquisition and an overview of communication disorders.

The connections between oral speech and language skills to early literacy development are examined, as well as a preliminary introduction to early reading and writing strategies. This course includes an overview of assistive technologies used for communication and literacy in early childhood. The Vermont Early Learning Standards will be integrated as a tool for creating developmentally appropriate language learning opportunities.

Audience: Students, with a Bachelor's Degree, seeking an early childhood educator or early childhood special educator license or endorsement.

Course Goals & Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, students will:

understand the theories, processes, principles, and nature of communication development as well as the developmental progression of phonology, semantics, morphology, syntax, and pragmatics,
recognize children’s individual differences in communication acquisition,
identify typical development of speech, language, and communication and become familiar with disorders, including but not limited to: speech sound disorders and language disorders surrounding the various aspects of language (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics), and
understand the connections between oral language and literacy development.

Course Objectives:

Students will:

identify the developmental sequence of emergent communication and literacy development.
utilize strategies for scaffolding conversations with children who are developing language and literacy skills,
develop knowledge of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as it relates to inclusive communication classroom design, including assistive technologies that may be included in early childhood programming (Augmentative and Alternative Communication, adapted books, and switch access),
appreciate the cultural and linguistic issues of second language acquisition, and
understand and use the Vermont Early Learning Standards: Receptive, Expressive and Social Language and Early Literacy domains.

Required Readings/Resources

Costs for required readings, if any, are not included in the course tuition.

Siegel, D. & Bryson, T. (2011). The Whole Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind. Mind your Brain, Inc.
Zucker, T. & Cabell, S. (2024) Strive-for-five Conversations: A Framework That Gets Kids Talking to Accelerate Their Language Comprehension & Literacy

(Parts of each of these books will be utilized in this course, but they are not required for purchase)

Moats, L. (2020). Speech to Print: Language Essential for Teachers (3rd edition). Brookes Publishing
Otto, B. (2018) Language Development in Early Childhood Education. Pearson
Ray, K. & Glover, M. (2006). Already Ready: Nurturing Writers in Preschool and Kindergarten. Heinemann.
Weitzman & Greenberg (2002). Learning Language and Loving it: A Guide to Promoting Children's Social, Language and Literacy Development in Early Childhood Settings

Other required readings (*will be provided to you on VT-HEC Canvas)

For additional course information

Danielle Kent

802-236-2203

For additional registration information

VT-HEC Team

This course requires registration with the Vermont Higher Education Collaborative (VT-HEC) first. Please click on the Register Now button below.