COURSE UNIT TITLE

: DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFERENCES AND EDUCATIONAL APPROACHES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

DEGREE PROGRAMMES

Description of Individual Course Units

Course Unit Code Course Unit Title Type Of Course D U L ECTS
ÖEP 6073 DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFERENCES AND EDUCATIONAL APPROACHES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD ELECTIVE 3 0 0 8

Offered By

Special Education

Level of Course Unit

Third Cycle Programmes (Doctorate Degree)

Course Coordinator

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR FILIZ KARADAĞ ÜÇDAL

Offered to

Special Education

Course Objective

This course aims to develop doctoral students' theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to developmental differences that may emerge during early childhood. It focuses on the early identification, monitoring, and educational support of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, developmental delays, and advanced development. Students will explore evidence-based and holistic educational strategies to meet the needs of children with various developmental profiles.

Learning Outcomes of the Course Unit

1   Identify developmental domains specific to early childhood.
2   Explain the types and causes of developmental differences.
3   Recognize early indicators of atypical development.
4   Distinguish between neurodevelopmental disorders and advanced development.
5   Analyze early intervention and support models.
6   Design educational programs for children with developmental differences.
7   Plan family- and community-based educational practices.
8   Use scientific assessment and monitoring tools.
9   Develop professional approaches in line with ethical principles.
10   Apply principles of inclusive education in real settings.

Mode of Delivery

Face -to- Face

Prerequisites and Co-requisites

None

Recomended Optional Programme Components

None

Course Contents

Week Subject Description
1 Week 1 Course Introduction and Overview of Developmental Differences
2 Week 2 Typical Developmental Domains in Early Childhood
3 Week 3 Developmental Delays and Their Causes
4 Week 4 Neurodevelopmental Disorders (e.g., Autism, ADHD)
5 Week 5 Advanced Development and Early Identification
6 Week 6 Early Warning Signs and Principles of Early Intervention
7 Week 7 Developmental Screening and Assessment Tools
8 Week 8 Family-Centered Interventions and Parent Education
9 Week 9 Inclusive Education and Differentiated Instruction
10 Week 10 Designing Holistic Educational Programs
11 Week 11 Case Study Analyses
12 Week 12 Guest Lecture: Current Approaches in Early Intervention
13 Week 13 Project Presentations and Group Feedback
14 Week 14 Final Evaluation, Feedback, and Course Wrap-Up

Recomended or Required Reading

Main Textbooks:
Allen, K. E., & Cowdery, G. E. (2014). The Exceptional Child: Inclusion in Early Childhood Education. Cengage Learning.
Berk, L. E. (2022). Infants and Children: Prenatal Through Middle Childhood. Pearson.
Karadağ, F. (2023). Developmental Risks and Educational Interventions in Early Childhood. (Unpublished course notes)

Supplementary Readings:
Crais, E. R. (2011). Assessment of Preschool Children with Special Needs.
Snow, C. E., & Van Hemel, S. B. (2008). Early Childhood Assessment: Why, What, and How. National Academies Press.

Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Interactive lectures
Case studies
Group discussions
Literature reviews
Student presentations
Guest lectures by field experts
Scenario-based learning and project design

Assessment Methods

SORTING NUMBER SHORT CODE LONG CODE FORMULA
1 MTEG MIDTERM GRADE
2 ASG ASSIGNMENT
3 FCG FINAL COURSE GRADE
4 FCG FINAL COURSE GRADE MTEG * 0.30 +ASG* 0.10 + FCG* 0.60
5 RST RESIT
6 FCGR FINAL COURSE GRADE (RESIT) MTEG * 0.30 + ASG * 0.10 + RST * 0.60


Further Notes About Assessment Methods

None

Assessment Criteria

Scientific content and theoretical depth
%30

Practical skills (project, case analysis, etc.)
%30

Critical thinking and analytical ability
%20

Presentation and academic writing
%10

Participation and collaboration
%10

Language of Instruction

Turkish

Course Policies and Rules

Minimum 70% attendance is required.
Academic honesty and ethical behavior are mandatory.
All written assignments must follow APA 7 style.
Equal contribution is expected in group work.
Deadlines are strict; late submissions will not be evaluated.

Contact Details for the Lecturer(s)

Instructor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Filiz Karadağ Üçdal
E-mail: filiz.karadag@deu.edu.tr
Office: DEU Buca Faculty of Education, Special Education Department, Room 212

Office Hours

9) Office Hours:
Day: Wednesday
Time: 13:00 15:00
Modality: In-person or online by appointment

Work Placement(s)

None

Workload Calculation

Activities Number Time (hours) Total Work Load (hours)
Lectures 14 3 42
Preparations before/after weekly lectures 14 9 126
Preparation for midterm exam 1 5 5
Preparation for final exam 1 5 5
Preparing assignments 1 8 8
Preparing presentations 1 8 8
Midterm 1 5 5
Final 1 5 5
Project Assignment 1 5 5
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours) 209

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

PO/LOPO.1PO.2PO.3PO.4PO.5PO.6PO.7PO.8PO.9PO.10
LO.15555555555
LO.25555555555
LO.35555555555
LO.45555555555
LO.55555555555
LO.65555555555
LO.75555555555
LO.85555555555
LO.95555555555
LO.105555555555

CONTACT INFORMATION
Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Cumhuriyet Bulvarı No: 144 35210 Alsancak / İZMİR
Phone: +90(232) 412 12 12 - Fax: +90 (232) 464 81 35

Copyright 2015 DEÜ. BİD

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