COURSE OVERVIEW:
In this course we will explore the diverse and unique needs of children with special needs in childcare settings. This course is designed to provide a deep understanding of special needs, inclusive practices, legal and ethical considerations, person-centred planning, communication strategies, environmental adaptations, behaviour management techniques, collaboration with families and support networks, sensory processing, assistive technologies, advocacy, cultural competence, and diversity awareness in special needs care.
To begin, we will delve into the introduction to special needs in childcare, including the definition of special needs, historical perspectives on disability, and the importance of inclusive practices. Understanding disability and inclusion, models of disability, and the role of language and labels in disability will be explored to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for children with special needs.
The course will highlight the benefits of inclusive education and care and discuss the types and categories of special needs. We will also cover legal and ethical considerations in special needs care, including legislation, duty of care, confidentiality, privacy laws, and the person-centred planning (PCP) process, including individual education plans (IEPs) and individualised family service plans (IFSPs).
Communication strategies for children with special needs, such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), visual supports, sign language, and gesture-based communication, will be discussed to enhance communication and promote independence. Creating inclusive environments and adaptations, including universal design for learning (UDL), environmental modifications, and adapting activities and materials, will be explored to meet the diverse needs of children with special needs.
Behaviour management techniques, including positive behaviour support (PBS) and social-emotional learning (SEL) approaches, will be covered to promote positive behaviour and social-emotional development. Collaboration with families and support networks, building partnerships with parents and carers, and interagency collaboration with multidisciplinary teams will be emphasised to provide holistic and comprehensive care for children with special needs.
Additionally, we will discuss sensory processing and sensory integration, sensory-friendly environments and activities, sensory diet strategies, assistive technologies, and adaptive equipment to support children with special needs in various aspects of daily life. Advocacy and rights of children with special needs, self-advocacy skills, advocacy organisations, and promoting rights and inclusion will also be addressed.
Cultural competence and diversity awareness in special needs care will be highlighted to ensure inclusive and respectful care for children from diverse backgrounds and communities.
By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to effectively support and care for children with special needs, promoting their rights, inclusion, and overall well-being in childcare settings.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
- Definition of Special Needs
- Historical Perspectives on Disability
- Importance of Inclusive Practices
- Understanding Disability and Inclusion
- Models of Disability
- The Role of Language and Labels in Disability
- Benefits of Inclusive Education and Care
- Types and Categories of Special Needs
- Legal and Ethical Considerations in Special Needs Care
- Legislation for Special Needs Care
- Duty of Care and Legal Responsibilities
- Confidentiality and Privacy Laws
- Person-Centred Planning (PCP) Process
- Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Individualised Family Service Plans (IFSPs)
- Goal Setting and Tracking Progress
- Communication Strategies for Children with Special Needs
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Visual Supports and Communication Boards
- Sign Language and Gesture-Based Communication
- Creating Inclusive Environments and Adaptations
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
- Environmental Modifications for Accessibility
- Adapting Activities and Materials
- Behaviour Management Techniques
- Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Approaches
- Collaboration with Families and Support Networks
- Family-Centred Care Approaches
- Building Partnerships with Parents and Carers
- Interagency Collaboration and Multi-disciplinary Teams
- Sensory Processing and Sensory Integration
- Sensory-Friendly Environments and Activities
- Sensory Diet Strategies
- Assistive Technologies and Adaptive Equipment
- Types of Assistive Technology
- Assessing and Selecting Assistive Devices
- Training and Support for Technology Use
- Advocacy and Rights of Children with Special Needs
- Self-Advocacy Skills
- Advocacy Organisations and Support Networks
- Promoting Rights and Inclusion
- Cultural Competence and Diversity Awareness in Special Needs Care
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.