The teaching and learning strategies will encompass,
face-to-face teaching contact hours,
blended learning, group and experiential learning,
teamwork (Interpersonal communication and group-work dynamics),
cooperative learning,
student-led learning,
inquiry based learning
workshops e.g. (developing reflective practice skills) and
Guest speakers
Module Aim:
To give students an understanding of a range of educational needs and their effects on children and their families. To develop the student’s knowledge of best practice and contemporary issues regarding educational and specific needs and to engage in self-reflection and self-evaluation of their own practice.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1
Critically examine the medical and social models of care. Discuss and consider the application of relevant legislation, social policies, and contemporary issues regarding children with educational and specific needs in Irish society
LO2
Define and discuss a range of educational and specific needs and their effects on children. Identify and evaluate the range of approaches to use and develop strategies for working with children and their families to best meet their needs.
LO3
Analyse the benefits of a multi-disciplinary approach and critically evaluate the range of services and the role of other professionals in meeting the needs of the child and family.
LO4
Critically evaluate the role of play for children with educational and specific needs in an early childhood education service.
LO5
Reflect upon experience as a learner in practice to highlight and develop best practice, in supporting parents and guardians as the primary caregivers.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
Module Content & Assessment
Indicative Content
Educational Needs: Definations and Classifications
Definitions • Physical health and development • Intellectual or cognitive development • Language and communication • Emotional and social development • Complex conditions and syndromes • Gifted children
Educational and Care Approaches
Social and medical model of care • Approaches and strategies • Teaching strategies • Communication strategies • IEP Process • Individual plans • Use of technology • Strategies involving play
Role of Other Professionals and Services
AIM specialist •The National Council for Special Education • Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO) • The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) • State Examinations Commission (SEC) • Special needs assistants • Better start Mentor • Physiotherapy/ speech and language therapists etc • Medical professionals • Social workers • Community care teams etc • Multi-disciplinary team workers
Working with parents and families
Best practice • Meetings and communication with parents and guardians • Principles of effective partnership and valuing parental involvement
Contemporary Issues
Anti-bias Education • Inclusion • Discrimination • Advocacy • Social policy and Legislation • EPSEN Act 2004 • Disability Act 2005 • UN Convention Rights of the Child • Irish Constitution • Aistear • Síolta • Code of Professional Responsibilities and Code of Ethics for Early Years Educators
Assessment Breakdown
%
Continuous Assessment
50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination
50.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Case Studies
Case study relating to an educational or specific need and the development of approaches and strategies used to promote active, and meaningful participation for the child within an early childhood education service.
2,3,4,5
50.00
n/a
No Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Formal Exam
n/a
1
50.00
End-of-Semester
SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment