Program Overview

The program "Supporting At-Risk Young Learners & Their Families" is designed to help educators identify and effectively teach at-risk students under 8 years of age.

Program Details

• Instructor: Pamela Bernards, Ed.D.
• Grading Method: Letter (Letter)
• Credits: 3
• Department: EDUC (2000)
• Academic Level: K-12 Professionals
• Start/End Dates: 01/12/2026 - 05/08/2026
• Register By: 04/17/2026
• Term: Spring 2026
• Location: Online
• Instruction Mode: Internet Asynchronous (online class)
• Cost: $300

Description

This interactive computer-based instruction course aims to help educators understand the internal and external factors that place a child at risk, how heredity and environment affect a child's development, and the characteristics of various risk factors. The course also covers interventions for each risk factor and emphasizes working with families to provide resources for healthy and developmentally appropriate experiences for young children.

Syllabus, Objectives, and Outcomes

Syllabus

The course must be completed and submitted by May 8, 2026.

Objectives

You will:

• Understand your role in identifying and providing interventions for at-risk young children.
• Recognize the symptoms of a child and/or their family being at risk.
• Understand what adverse childhood experiences are and how they affect a child's growth and development.
• Understand the external and internal causes of a child being placed at risk in families and society.
• Understand the special learning needs these students bring to the classroom.
• Gain techniques for supporting students and families affected by negative factors.
• Learn intervention techniques applicable to early childhood settings.
• Gain a wider knowledge of available outside resources and support systems.
• Understand your role in the intervention and prevention of developmental delays.
• Understand how the family is the child's primary influence and the role their choices make in the child's early development.

Materials

Course materials are available online as part of the course, titled "Supporting At-Risk Young Learners & Their Families" by Dr. Pamela Bernards and Joan Halverstadt.

North Dakota State University

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Overview:

North Dakota State University (NDSU) is a public, land-grant, research university located in Fargo, North Dakota. It is a top-ranked R1 institution, known for its commitment to student-focused learning and its dedication to research. NDSU provides affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Admission:

NDSU provides comprehensive admission services, including application assistance, financial aid information, and campus visits.

Academic Programs:

NDSU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.

Campus Life:

NDSU provides a vibrant campus life with various co-curricular activities, dining services, residence life options, and athletic events.

Student Support:

NDSU offers support services such as career advising, counseling, and wellness resources.

Research Opportunities:

NDSU provides ample research opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research projects.

Online Programs:

NDSU offers a variety of online degree programs for students seeking flexible learning options.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

NDSU offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in various co-curricular activities, including clubs, organizations, and sports. The university also provides a variety of dining options, residence halls, and recreational facilities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

NDSU offers an excellent education at an affordable price.

Research Opportunities:

NDSU is a research-intensive university, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.

Hands-on Learning:

NDSU emphasizes hands-on learning, providing students with practical experience in their chosen fields.

Strong Faculty:

NDSU has a strong faculty committed to teaching and mentoring students.

Vibrant Campus Life:

NDSU offers a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community.

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Academic Programs:

NDSU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Agriculture and Biological Systems:

NDSU is a leading institution in agriculture and biological systems, with strong programs in areas such as animal science, plant science, and biotechnology.

Engineering and Architecture:

NDSU offers a variety of engineering and architecture programs, including civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and architecture.

Health Sciences:

NDSU has a strong presence in health sciences, with programs in areas such as nursing, pharmacy, and public health.

Humanities and Social Sciences:

NDSU offers a variety of humanities and social sciences programs, including English, history, and political science.

Business and Economics:

NDSU has a strong business and economics program, with programs in areas such as accounting, finance, and marketing.

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Other:

NDSU is committed to diversity and inclusion, and it offers a variety of resources and programs to support students from diverse backgrounds. The university also has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.