Early Childhood Education Autism Certificate (C55220C7)

Program Description

This curriculum prepares individuals to work with children birth to 8 years old with autism. Students will combine learned theories, competency-based knowledge, and practice in actual settings with very young children with autism.

Course work includes child growth and development, care and guidance; communication skills with families and children; design and implementation of inclusive curriculum and learning environment; observation and documentation of development and learning to support the child and family or to make informed decisions about referrals for services, and understanding and supporting children with individualized family service plans and educational plans.

Graduates should be prepared to complete field experiences in an early learning program and autism specific clinical settings. Employment opportunities include behavioral technician, child development and child care programs, preschools, public and private schools, recreational centers, Head Start Programs, and other early childhood programs.

Fall Semester

Course	Class Hours	Credits
EDU 119 - Introduction to Early ChildhoodEducation EDU 119 - Introduction to Early ChildhoodEducation This course introduces the foundations of culturally responsive, equitable and inclusive early childhood education, planning intentional developmentally appropriate experiences, learning activities, and teaching strategies for indoor and outdoor environments for all young children, guidance techniques, and professionalism. Topics include theoretical foundations, national early learning standards, NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development, state regulations, program types, career options, professionalism, ethical conduct, quality inclusive environments, guidance techniques, and curriculum responsive to the needs of each child/family. Upon completion, students should be able to implement developmentally appropriate environments, guidance techniques, schedules, and teaching strategies across developmental domains to support culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse children and their families in inclusive settings, and design a personal career/professional development plan. Class: 4.00 Credits: 4.00	4.00	4.00
EDU 144 - Child Development I EDU 144 - Child Development I This course includes the theories of child development, observation and assessment, milestones, and factors that influence development, from conception through approximately 36 months. Emphasis is placed on knowledge, observation and assessment of developmental sequences in approaches to play/learning, emotional/social, health/physical, language/communication and cognitive domains. Upon completion, students should be able to compare/contrast typical/atypical developmental characteristics, explain biological and environmental factors that impact development, and identify evidence-based strategies for enhancing development for children that are culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse. Class: 3.00 Credits: 3.00	3.00	3.00
EDU 145 - Child Development II EDU 145 - Child Development II This course includes the theories of child development, observation and assessment, milestones, and factors that influence development, from preschool through middle childhood. Emphasis is placed on knowledge, observation and assessment of developmental sequences in approaches to play/learning, emotional/social, health/physical, language/communication and cognitive domains. Upon completion, students should be able to compare/contrast typical/atypical developmental characteristics, explain biological and environmental factors that impact development, and identify evidence-based strategies for enhancing development for children that are culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse. Class: 3.00 Credits: 3.00	3.00	3.00
EDU 149 - Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder EDU 149 - Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder This course is an introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders and the skills and competencies needed to work within programs and facilities providing supervised services to persons diagnosed with ASD. Topics include knowledge of characteristics and services, evidence based practices to address social, behavioral, educational, developmental and communication needs through appropriate assessment, planning, implementation of services, and strategies for effective family/community engagement and advocacy for persons with ASD. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the charcteristics of ASD, application of techniques and interventions used when working with the ASD population, understanding of how to write and implement plans to provide approved documentation, and provide hands-on experiences within programs or facilities serving persons with ASD. Class: 3.00 Credits: 3.00	3.00	3.00
EDU 221 - Children With Exceptionalities EDU 221 - Children With Exceptionalities This course covers atypical patterns of child development, inclusive/diverse settings, evidenced-based educational/family plans, differentiated instruction, adaptive materials, and assistive technology. Emphasis is placed on the characteristics of exceptionalities and delays, early intervention/special education, transitions, observation, developmental screening, formative assessment of children, and collaborating with families and community partners. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize diverse abilities, describe the referral process, identify community resources, explain the importance of collaboration with families/professionals, and develop appropriate strategies/adaptations to support children in all environments with best practices as defined by laws, policies and the NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. Class: 3.00 Credits: 3.00	3.00	3.00
		Total: 16

Upon completion of the EDU-119 course within the certificate shown above, students who have earned a C or better are eligible to apply for the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential (NCECC). Applications for the credential are available through the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education. See your advisor for more details.

This certificate equips the student with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully pass the Board-Certified Autism Technician (BCAT) exam.

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