Special educators know and demonstrate respect for their students first as unique human beings. Special educators understand the similarities and differences in human development and the characteristics between and among individuals with and without exceptional learning needs (ELN)1/. Moreover, special educators understand how exceptional conditions can interact with the domains of human development and they use this knowledge to respond to the varying abilities and behaviors of individual’s with ELN. Special educators understand how the experiences of individuals with ELN can impact families, as well as the individual’s ability to learn, interact socially, and live as fulfilled contributing members of the community.
Beginning special educators demonstrate their mastery of this standard through the mastery of the CEC Common Core Knowledge and Skills, as well as through the appropriate CEC Specialty Area(s) Knowledge and Skills for which the preparation program is preparing candidates.
Common Core
| Knowledge: |
| CC2K1 | Typical and atypical human growth and development. |
| CC2K2 | Educational implications of characteristics of various exceptionalities. |
| CC2K3 | Characteristics and effects of the cultural and environmental milieu of the individual with exceptional learning needs and the family. |
| CC2K4 | Family systems and the role of families in supporting development. |
| CC2K5 | Similarities and differences of individuals with and without exceptional learning needs. |
| CC2K6 | Similarities and differences among individuals with exceptional learning needs. |
| CC2K7 | Effects of various medications on individuals with exceptional learning needs. |
Early Childhood
| Knowledge: |
| EC2K1 | Theories of typical and atypical early childhood development. |
| EC2K2 | Effect of biological and environmental factors on pre-, peri-, and post-natal development. |
| EC2K3 | Influence of stress and trauma, protective factors and resilience, and supportive relationships on the social and emotional development of young children. |
| EC2K4 | Significance of sociocultural and political contexts for the development and learning of young children who are culturally and linguistically diverse. |
| EC2K5 | Impact of medical conditions on family concerns, resources, and priorities. |
| EC2K6 | Childhood illnesses and communicable diseases |
| Skill: None in addition to Common Core |
3. Individual Learning Differences
