Supporting Diverse Learners

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Supporting Diverse Learners (ECE304)

Synopsis

ECE304 Supporting Diverse Learners provides an overview of inclusive educational philosophies and approaches to early intervention and support for children of diverse abilities, from birth to 8 years of age. The course aims to promote positive dispositions toward developmental variations in child growth and learning, family-centred approaches, as well as instructional strategies for inclusion of children with learning difficulties and/or mild to moderate disabilities. ECE304 will introduce trends and recommended practices in early intervention and strategies for working with groups of diverse learners in regular early childhood settings.

Level: 3
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY REGULAR SEMESTER

Topics

Introduction to early childhood special education
Working within the Singapore context
Understanding children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Understanding children with learning difficulties/learning disabilities
Working with children with learning difficulties/learning disabilities
Understanding children with developmental delays
Working with children with developmental delays
Promoting communication skills through naturalistic approaches
Promoting social-emotional development and interactions among peers
Instructional strategies: accommodations and modifications
Working with families and other professionals

Learning Outcome

Interpret the various clinical definitions and terms.
Examine the benefits and challenges of having an inclusive early childhood setting for children with diverse learning needs.
Analyse the strengths and developmental variations in children.
Create accommodations and modifications that are useful in early childhood settings.
Propose basic instructional strategies to promote communication skills for children with special needs and their peers.
Design basic instructional strategies to promote social-emotional development for children with special needs and their peers.