ECHD 440: Language Development & Literacy in Early Childhood

This course explores language development from infants through primary-aged children. Topics include speech and language processes for communication, language development stages, theories of language acquisition, assessment of language development and activities to foster language development. Attention is given to linguistically diverse populations as well as to children who language development is different from the expected norm. Also explored are theory and research on literacy development, including selection and development of pre-reading/pre-writing and reading and writing curricula for preschool, kindergarten and primary grades. Emphasis is on development of literacy in the primary grades. 10 hours of clinical experiences.