Courses listed in the Child Development category provide students with a basis of knowledge regarding special needs.  These course satisfy Maryland core knowledge requirements by covering the following key topics:

  • Theoretical and legal foundations for programs
  • Supports including accommodations, adaptations, modifications, inclusionary practices, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
  • Developmentally appropriate practices for children/youth with social, emotional, cognitive (including language), and physical needs
  • Effective engagement and collaborations with parents/guardians, families, professionals, agencies, and others
  • Design of accessible classrooms/learning environments
  • Medical considerations.


Neurodiversity: What is it and how do we create programs that support neurodiverse children?

Neurodiversity means that there is a range, or diversity, of ways human brains function. We think, learn and relate to others in a range of ways. Through this workshop, participants will look more closely at the neurodiversity theory and explore ways to create a neurodiverse learning environment.

OCC Approval Number: CKO-4860
Clock Hours: 2.5
IACET/CEU: .30
Core of Knowledge Area: 2.5 Hours: Special Needs
Course_Description:

Neurodiversity means that there is a range, or diversity, of ways human brains function. We think, learn and relate to others in a range of ways. Through this workshop, participants will look more closely at the neurodiversity theory and explore ways to create a neurodiverse learning environment.

The Neurology of How We Feel: Sensory Processing

Through this workshop, participants will learn about sensory processing, the body’s eight senses, and how to create a sensory-sensitive learning environment for children.

OCC Approval Number: CKO-4860
Clock Hours: 3
IACET/CEU: .30
Core of Knowledge Area: 3 Hours: Special Needs
Course_Description:

Through this workshop, participants will learn about sensory processing, the body’s eight senses, and how to create a sensory-sensitive learning environment for children.

School-Age Care: Understanding Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD)

Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD) is a pattern of disobedient, hostile, and defiant behavior directed toward authority figures. Participants will learn about the psychology of ODD and strategies for supporting students who exhibit ODD symptoms. This is competent level training.  Prerequisites: One year of teaching experience.

OCC Approval Number: CKO-4860
Clock Hours: 3
IACET/CEU: .30
Core of Knowledge Area: 3 Hours: Special Needs
Course_Description:

Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD) is a pattern of disobedient, hostile, and defiant behavior directed toward authority figures. Participants will learn about the psychology of ODD and strategies for supporting students who exhibit ODD symptoms. This is competent level training.  Prerequisites: One year of teaching experience.

Nurturing Infant Mental Health

Infant mental health refers to how well a child develops socially and emotionally from birth to three.  Participants will learn positive mental health strategies.

OCC Approval Number: CKO-4860
Clock Hours: 2
IACET/CEU: .20
Core of Knowledge Area: Special Needs: 2 Hours
Course_Description:

Infant mental health refers to how well a child develops socially and emotionally from birth to three.  Participants will learn positive mental health strategies.

Unlocking the World of Words: Inclusive Literacy for Children with Disabilities

We will emphasize the importance of creating an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative community to ensure that every child, regardless of their abilities, can thrive in the world of words.

OCC Approval Number: CKO-4860
Clock Hours: 3
IACET/CEU: .30
Core of Knowledge Area: 3 Hours: Special Needs
Course_Description:

We will emphasize the importance of creating an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative community to ensure that every child, regardless of their abilities, can thrive in the world of words.

Relationship-Based Inclusion

Building relationships with children and families is the foundation of relationship-based inclusion.  Participants will learn twelve guiding principles, including behavioral, emotional, social, physical, and learning challenges.  


OCC Approval Number: CKO-2860
Clock Hours: 3
IACET/CEU: .30
Core of Knowledge Area: 3 Hours: Special Needs
Course_Description:

Building relationships with children and families is the foundation of relationship-based inclusion.  Participants will learn twelve guiding principles, including behavioral, emotional, social, physical, and learning challenges.  


Functional Behavior Assessments & Positive Behavior Support Plans

Understanding the function of children’s behavior is the first step in providing a developmentally appropriate response.   Participants will learn how to conduct a functional behavioral assessment and positive behavior support plan.

OCC Approval Number: CKO-4860
Clock Hours: 2.5
IACET/CEU: 30.
Core of Knowledge Area: 2.5 Hours: Special Needs
Course_Description:

Understanding the function of children’s behavior is the first step in providing a developmentally appropriate response.   Participants will learn how to conduct a functional behavioral assessment and positive behavior support plan. 

Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP)

Early childhood professionals make many decisions about the children in our programs daily. Understanding DAP – its meaning and intentional practices – is essential in guiding those decisions.  Learn the three core components of DAP as well as guidelines for effective teaching

OCC Approval Number: CKO-4860
Clock Hours: 2
IACET/CEU: 0.2
Core of Knowledge Area: 2 Hours: Special Needs
Course_Description:

Early childhood professionals make many decisions about the children in our programs daily. Understanding DAP – its meaning and intentional practices – is essential in guiding those decisions.  Learn the three core components of DAP as well as guidelines for effective teaching