Introduction to Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education, Bolio, Spring 2026

Course Description

Course Description:

This course is designed to provide students interested in obtaining the early childhood special educator endorsement with an introduction to the fields of early intervention (EI) and early childhood special education (ECSE). It will focus on the following topics: historical perspectives and theoretical approaches of EI/ECSE; laws and regulations that govern EI and ECSE; professional roles, responsibilities, and ethics; and specific disabilities and their impact on young children’s development. In addition, this course will introduce and provide an overview of the special education evaluation process, eligibility determination, collaboration, and the development of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) (known as the One Plan in Vermont).
Students will engage in online and virtual discussions, create documents, and reflect and write about their experiences. Students will explore a variety of evidenced-based practices and learn about several developmental disabilities and differences.

Audience:

Aspiring or current early childhood special educators seeking to develop or enhance their knowledge of the history of special education, federal and state laws and regulations, and impacts of various types of disabilities on children’s development and their implications for intervention. Must hold an earned bachelor’s degree.

Course Goals & Objectives

Course Goals: This course is designed so that participants will have the knowledge and skills to:

• Discuss current federal and state laws, regulations, and procedures governing the following: referral, identification/evaluation; eligibility determination; development, implementation, and monitoring of EI and ECSE plans; and least restrictive environments for young children with disabilities.
• Compare current models that guide early intervention and early childhood special education practices.
• Identify the characteristics of the disabilities stipulated in state law and explain the impacts of these disabilities on young children's learning and development, and on family functioning.
• Describe the key roles of the early childhood special educator as teacher, advocate, consultant, facilitator, and collaborator; and identify the different roles of various specialized therapeutic service providers.

Course Objectives:

1. Participants will acquire knowledge of the philosophical, ethical, historical, and legal foundations of early intervention and early childhood special education services and programs, including the evolution of key litigation, legislation, and regulations affecting these programs
2. Participants will learn about typical and atypical development in all five domains: cognitive, social/emotional, motor, adaptive, and communication. They will demonstrate their ability to understand how delays in one or more areas can impact learning, behavior, and overall development. They will demonstrate their ability to complete a functional behavior assessment to address learning and behavior challenges.
3. Participants will acquire beginning knowledge of the variety of methods used to systematically observe, assess, record, monitor, and document young children’s activities, behavior, health, and developmental and emotional history. This information is vital for establishing eligibility for early intervention and special education services, and planning appropriate and individualized programs, environments, and interactions.
4. Participants will realize the importance of working cooperatively and respectfully with all families to support young children's learning and development and understand the need for the early interventionist or early childhood special educator to foster respectful and beneficial relationships with parents and to encourage their participation in decision making and planning.

Required Readings/Resources

Costs for required readings/resources may not be included in the course tuition. Please contact VT-HEC for more information.