CONT252: Supporting Autistic Children in the Early Years
This short, self-guided course is designed for early childhood educators in childcare and kindergarten settings. It addresses the complex needs of children on the autism spectrum and explores ways to understand and support them.
Learners in this course will develop an understanding of the unique ways in which autistic children hear, see, and think about the world around them. By participating in problem-solving scenarios, practical activities, and reflections, learners will recognize how autism affects learning and development. They will learn how to create opportunities to enhance social and communication skills for autistic children and to meet their needs in an inclusive environment.
Topics include
- Defining autism spectrum disorder
- Communication and common challenges
- Strategies to support communication
- Supporting transitions
- Understanding play-based learning
- Assessing play and potential obstacles
- Supporting play-based learning
Course Schedule
| Session | Course Dates | Registration Deadline | Payment Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2025 | Jun 23, 2025 – Aug 08, 2025 | Jun 13, 2025 at 4pm ET | Jun 19, 2025 at 4pm ET |
| Late Summer 25 | Aug 11, 2025 – Oct 03, 2025 | Aug 01, 2025 at 4pm ET | Aug 07, 2025 at 4pm ET |
| Fall 2025 | Sep 29, 2025 – Dec 05, 2025 | Sep 19, 2025 at 4pm ET | Sep 25, 2025 at 4pm ET |
| Fall/Winter 2025 | Nov 10, 2025 – Feb 06, 2026 | Oct 31, 2025 at 4pm ET | Nov 06, 2025 at 4pm ET |
| Winter 2026 | Jan 26, 2026 – Apr 03, 2026 | Jan 16, 2026 at 4pm ET | Jan 22, 2026 at 4pm ET |
| Late Winter 2026 | Feb 16, 2026 – Apr 17, 2026 | Feb 06, 2026 at 4pm ET | Feb 12, 2026 at 4pm ET |
Summer 2025
- Dates: Jun 23, 2025 – Aug 08, 2025
- Deadline: Jun 13, 2025 at 4pm ET
- Payment Due: Jun 19, 2025 at 4pm ET
Late Summer 25
- Dates: Aug 11, 2025 – Oct 03, 2025
- Deadline: Aug 01, 2025 at 4pm ET
- Payment Due: Aug 07, 2025 at 4pm ET
Fall 2025
- Dates: Sep 29, 2025 – Dec 05, 2025
- Deadline: Sep 19, 2025 at 4pm ET
- Payment Due: Sep 25, 2025 at 4pm ET
Fall/Winter 2025
- Dates: Nov 10, 2025 – Feb 06, 2026
- Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 at 4pm ET
- Payment Due: Nov 06, 2025 at 4pm ET
Winter 2026
- Dates: Jan 26, 2026 – Apr 03, 2026
- Deadline: Jan 16, 2026 at 4pm ET
- Payment Due: Jan 22, 2026 at 4pm ET
Late Winter 2026
- Dates: Feb 16, 2026 – Apr 17, 2026
- Deadline: Feb 06, 2026 at 4pm ET
- Payment Due: Feb 12, 2026 at 4pm ET
Application Requirements
This course has no application requirements.
Course Materials
This course has no required resources.
Accommodations
Applicants who require special accommodations are asked to:
- Contact us at least 1 week prior to the start of the course to allow enough time for appropriate accommodations to be made.
- Provide necessary documentation upon request.