Category: Early childhood

Interview a preschool or K-3 school special education/resource teacher or an ele

Interview a preschool or K-3 school special education/resource teacher or an elementary school psychologist on the topic of IDEA legislation. Some questions you might ask include, but are not limited to, the following:
What part of IDEA is the most important aspect to understand as an educator?
What ages are covered by IDEA?
What should parents understand about IDEA?
What disabilities are most commonly seen at your site?
How do administrators and special education professionals disseminate information about a child’s disability?
How is confidentiality maintained in school records?
At what age do special education services begin at your site?
What supports and services are provided for parents, teachers, and school staff?
What role do paraprofessionals play on your campus, with regard to students with special needs?
At what point is a referral for a full evaluation for special education made? 
Spend any remaining field experience hours observing and assisting your mentor teacher in providing instruction and support to the class. Pay special attention to supports and services provided to students who have exceptionalities.
In 250-500 words, summarize the interview and describe any observations you made and assistance you provided in the classroom relating to students who are receiving special education services. In addition, reflect upon and evaluate personal practice related to upholding expectations of the profession including codes of ethics, professional standards of practice, and relevant law and policy. How will you apply this to your future practice? 
While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

Many trends in early childhood education relate to policymaking at the state and

Many trends in early childhood education relate to policymaking at the state and federal level. In your role as an advocate, you may be called on to influence policy decisions.
As your original post, write a one-page advocacy letter to a policymaker on a piece of educational legislation or an educational reform measure of concern to you. Use the correct salutation for writing a public official. Be positive, and establish rapport with the reader.
Provide brief background on the issue.
State your stance on the issue.
Suggest an alternative to the legislation that you oppose if applicable.
Use citations and references in APA format and examples to support your arguments. – 2 Article references within the last 5 years
Respond to the posts of at least two peers.

1. Why do you think IDEA was expanded to include at-risk children from birth to

1. Why do you think IDEA was expanded to include at-risk children from birth to school age? Provide justification for your response.
2. What do you feel is the most important aspect of IDEA Part C? How will this affect your future professional 
practice? 
150 words  each