Curriculum Intervention and Strategies Syllabus

Course Syllabus: CDES 206 Fall 2018 Syllabus - Revised 091918.docx

Meet Your Instructor:  Darcie M. Kass

Darcie M. Kass is the Owner/Director of A Child’s Place Learning Center, Inc.  (ACP) and Executive Director of Friend Builders, Inc. She has her Bachelor of Science in Human Services/Management and her Master’s in Education with an emphasis on Early Childhood Leadership.  Darcie is Adjunct Faculty at Orange Coast College, Santiago Canyon College and Santa Ana College teaching classes in Child Development and Inclusion along with presenting at conferences, workshops and trainings throughout the County.  From 1997 to present, Darcie has worked at ACP, first as a Pre-K teacher and then as Director and in 2012, she purchased the program. Darcie has expanded the center’s full-inclusion program along with developing a separate program that focuses on teaching social skills to preschool age children.   Darcie is a Director Mentor through the California Early Childhood Mentor Program and facilitates the West Orange County Directors Collaborative.  She is currently a member of the Orange County Child Care and Development Planning Council and is Co-Chair of the Orange County Inclusion Collaborative.

Darcie has two children, who are now big people and settling into their own careers.  She loves all animals and has a dog, three cats, a snake and fish.  In her spare time, Darcie enjoys kickboxing, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Course Description:  This course focuses on curriculum and intervention strategies for supporting young children's individual needs in partnership with their families. Focuses on the use of observation and assessment in meeting the individualized needs of children in inclusive and natural environments. Includes the role of the teacher as an intentional teacher and professional working with families, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and cultural competence.

Textbook Information:  Strategies for Including Children with Special Needs in Early Childhood Settings (Second Edition)   Ruth E. Cook, Ph.D., Anne Marie Richardson-Gibbs, M.A., and Laurie Nielsen Dotson, M.A. 

ISBN: 978-1-305-96069-5

Course Learning Objectives:  Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

• Explain current special education laws and their impact on early childhood practice
• Describe strategies that support the central role of families and their collaborative partnerships with team members and community professionals.
• Demonstrate knowledge of reflective practice, cultural responsiveness, confidentiality, and professional practices when working with colleagues, children and families.
• Practice various formal and informal observation and assessment procedures used to guide identification and intervention decisions.
• Identify curriculum, environment and natural learning opportunities to meet individualized needs, outcomes, and goals of young childfren and families.
• Design modifications and accomodations based on observations, evidence-based practices, and legal requirements to support children's development.