This program provides learners with a comprehensive introduction to childhood language development and language‑based learning disabilities. Learners explore how children develop speech, language, and listening skills, examine common communication and processing challenges, and gain insight into assessments, interventions, and strategies that support learning, inclusion, and independence across educational and life settings.
Module 1: Learning to Communicate and Speech Development
Introduces the foundations of speech, language, and listening, including how children learn to communicate and common speech and voice disorders.
Module 2: Understanding Language Problems
Explores language delays and disorders affecting toddlers and preschoolers, including vocabulary, grammar, word retrieval, and social language skills.
Module 3: Understanding Listening Problems
Focuses on auditory processing, receptive language comprehension, memory, and the impact of listening difficulties on language development.
Module 4: Causes of Delayed Development and Effective Therapies
Examines causes of developmental delays and evidence‑based therapeutic approaches, including inclusion strategies and interventions that support positive outcomes.
Language‑Based Learning Disabilities
Module 1: Identification, Difficulties, and Assessments
Introduces learning environments, support systems, assessment processes, and collaboration between families and schools.
Module 2: Overview of Language‑Based Learning Disabilities
Provides an overview of common language‑based learning disabilities and strategies for navigating educational settings and promoting active learning.
Module 3: Information Processing, Memory, and Attention
Examines memory, information processing, attention challenges, ADHD, and strategies for managing increasing academic demands.
Module 4: Cultivating Independence and Life Skills
Focuses on building independence, social skills, life navigation beyond school, and preparation for independent living and adulthood.
After completing this program, the learner will be able to:
Explain how children develop speech, language, and listening skills
Identify common speech, language, and auditory processing difficulties in children
Describe language‑based learning disabilities and their impact on learning
Recognize the role of assessment, collaboration, and school support systems
Apply strategies that support communication, memory, attention, and active learning
Explain approaches that promote independence, social skills, and successful transitions beyond school
Certificate of completion
This class is an independent-study course. Students will have all the resources needed to successfully complete the course within the online material. A student helpdesk is available for technical support during the course enrollment.