Expansion of Curriculum Content about Infants and Young Children with Disabilities and Families into Associate Degree Programs
Project Description:
This project will increase the number of graduates from 2-year associates degree programs in early childhood who will be prepared to work with young children with disabilities and their families in early childhood settings. This will occur through partnerships with 4 Associate degree programs in early childhood in CT and RI. The programs (3 community colleges and 1 private program) will receive training to enhance and redesign their curricula (coursework and practica) to meet competencies focusing on infants and young children with disabilities and their families. Objectives of the program include: (1) developing action plans to modify the curriculum, field experiences, and required assignments for the target programs to embed knowledge and skills related to infants and young children with disabilities and their families; (2) revising early childhood education core courses to embed knowledge and skills related to infants and young children with disabilities and their families; and (3) implementing the revised associate degree program in early childhood education to meet with CT core competencies, and national personnel standards. These competencies are aligned with evidence-based instructional practice. We will also address practica requirements for enrolled students so they may demonstrate competencies with infants and young children with disabilities.
Keyword(s):
Mental/Behavioral Health – Autism, Developmental Disabilities, Early Childhood – General, Medical Home, Mental/Behavioral Health – General , Community College, associate degree, early childhood
Core Function(s):
Training Trainees, Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training
Area of Emphasis
Quality Assurance, Education & Early Intervention, Child Care-Related Activities
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Urban, Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State, Regional
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
