Ashford Special Ed Dept. Rolls out New Toddler Specialization

Ashford University has expanded its online degree program in the special education field to include a specialization component focused on infants and toddlers. As early education has become a "childcare plus" concept in many facilities, professionals in the special education field need to learn about the needs, caring and educational opportunities associated with very young children.

Ashford currently has an online bachelor's degree program in early childhood education and one in early childhood education administration. From the Reuters story: "Trends and issues relevant to infant and toddler development provide excellent learning opportunities in the area of quality care," said Joen Rottler, dean of the School of Education at Ashford University. "The critical developmental areas of cognitive, social and emotional growth are addressed in meaningful context of family, culture and care."

While that quote sounds like it belongs with a slide presentation, it does raise a relevant point about maximizing developmental potential in very young children. To a surprising degree, the learning process patterns are established at a young age, when children spend much more time observing than interacting. Day care has become an institution for two-income families and two-incomes are a necessity in most households.

The infant and toddler specialization includes four online courses, three of which focus on care environment, learning & early development, and social & emotional growth. The fourth required course is culture, family and children. This course attempts to demonstrate methods of assessing the family's role in a child's development, and cultural practices that may alter the process significantly.

It's the teacher's role to understand a child's family environment so that necessary adjustments can be made in program procedures. Diversity is becoming a relevant focus for teaching degrees today, as this nation continues its rapid accumulation of cultures and customs that are arriving with twenty first century immigrants.