Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description This module will explore the historical, legislative and sociological perspectives on the education of young children with special educational needs. It will address the range of special educational needs and the implications for development and learning in early childhood. It will provide knowledge in relation to assessment provision for young children with SEN as outlined in the Disability Act (2005) and in the Education for Persons with Special Needs Act (2004), and it will outline appropriate individual assessment, planning and inclusive strategies and approaches. It will highlight the importance of developing communication, social and independence skills. It will discuss the key characteristics of collaboration and it will detail the use of assistive and adaptive technology in support of quality learning for children with special educational needs (0-6 years). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Against a background knowledge of legislative developments, nationally and internationally, with respect to inclusive provision for young children with SEN, identify the aetiology, characteristics and classification of common disabilities and describe specific implications for development and learning in the early years 2. Against a background knowledge in relation to assessment provision for young children with SEN as outlined in the Disability Act (2005) and in the Education for Persons with Special Needs Act (2004), select and use a variety of informal and formal assessment instruments and procedures, including observation methods, to make decisions about children’s learning, development and well-being 3. Plan and implement an inclusive curriculum with respect to children with specific disabilities, including motor, sensory, health, communication, social - emotional and cognitive disabilities 4. Select, implement and critique appropriate methods of behavioural support and management e.g. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) 5. Against a background knowledge of reflective practice, effectively communicate and collaborate with other team members and with parents in developing individual educational plans (IEP) 6. Demonstrate appropriate use of technology including adaptive and assistive technology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
1 The content to address the learning outcomes will utilise a wide range of approaches and methodologies to include, lectures, online support, video, observation in settings and group projects 2 Historical, legislative and sociological perspectives on inclusive educational policy and practice 3 The aetiology, characteristics and classification of common disabilities and learning difficulties and the impact on development and learning in the early years 4 Early years provision, practices and settings – roles and responsibilities (DES/HSE) 5 Communication: How best to foster the development of communication, social and independence skills through play activities 6 Assessment practices to inform quality planning, teaching and learning 7 Behavioural management and support strategies from less structured (modelling and verbal support) to more structured e.g. (Applied Behaviour Analysis). 8 Understanding the interaction between cultural issues (e.g. ethnicity, disadvantage) and SEN 9 The what, how and why of Individual Educational Planning (IEP) 10 Reflective practice 11 Working collaboratively with others – key principles of good communication, co-operation and collaboration 12 How assistive technology can support effective teaching and learning for young children with special/additional needs 13 Transition | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
Articles:
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Other Resources
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