Course Description
Course Description:
This course is designed to provide students interested in obtaining the early childhood special educator endorsement with an introduction to the fields of early intervention (EI) and early childhood special education (ECSE). It will focus on the following topics: historical perspectives and theoretical approaches of EI/ECSE; laws and regulations that govern EI and ECSE; professional roles, responsibilities, and ethics; and specific disabilities and their impact on young children’s development. In addition, this course will introduce and provide an overview of the special education evaluation process, eligibility determination, collaboration, and the development of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) (known as the One Plan in Vermont).
Students will engage in online and virtual discussions, create documents, and reflect and write about their experiences. Students will explore a variety of evidenced-based practices and learn about several developmental disabilities and differences.
Audience: Aspiring or current early childhood special educators seeking to develop or enhance their knowledge of the history of special education, federal and state laws and regulations, and impacts of various types of disabilities on children’s development and their implications for intervention. Must hold an earned bachelor’s degree.
Session Information
Course Schedule: September 12th, 2026 and November 14th, 2026: In Person 8:30-3:00
December 12th: Zoom 8:30-11:30
Instructors
Brenda Bolio, M.Ed.
Brenda Bolio, M.Ed.
Brenda has been an early childhood educator for over 40 years, the last 20+ years as an early childhood special educator with the Montpelier Roxbury Public Schools and is currently the director of the preschool program at Union Elementary School. Brenda has had a variety of roles in a variety of settings including private programs and the Family Center of Washington County. She received her BA in Early Childhood Development and M.Ed in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Vermont. Brenda has taught the Introduction to Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education for the VT-HEC for 10 years.
Additional Content Area
Course Goals:
This course is designed so that participants will have the knowledge and skills to:
● Discuss current federal and state laws, regulations, and procedures governing the following: referral, identification/evaluation; eligibility determination; development, implementation, and monitoring of early intervention and early childhood special education plans; and least restrictive environments for young children with disabilities.
● Compare current models that guide early intervention and early childhood special education practices.
● Identify the characteristics of the disabilities stipulated in state law and explain the impacts of these disabilities on young children’s learning and development, and on family functioning.
● Describe the key roles of the early childhood special educator as teacher, advocate, consultant, facilitator, and collaborator; and identify the different roles of various specialized therapeutic service providers.