Child Development

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

CHD 100 : Introduction of Early Care and Education of Children

This course introduces students to the child education and care profession. It is designed to increase understanding of the basic concepts of child development and the developmental characteristics of children from birth through age 8/9 years. This course is the foundation for planning appropriate activities for children and establishing appropriate expectations of young children. This class also offers an opportunity to study the developmental domains (social, emotional, cognitive/language and physical). Course includes observations of the young child in early childhood settings.

Credits

3

CHD 201 : Child Growth and Development Principles

This course is a systematic study of child growth and development from conception through early childhood. Emphasis is placed on principles underlying physical, mental, emotional and social development, and on methods of child study and practical implications. Upon completion, students should be able to use knowledge of how young children differ in their development and approaches to learning to provide opportunities that support the physical, social, emotional, language, cognitive, and aesthetic development of children.

Credits

3

CHD 202 : Children’s Creative Experiences

This course focuses on fostering creativity in preschool children and developing a creative attitude in teachers. Topics include selecting and developing creative experiences in language arts, music, art, science, math and movement with observation and participation with young children required. Upon completion, students should be able to select and implement creative and age-appropriate experiences for young children.

Credits

3

CHD 203 : Children’s Literature and Language Development

This course surveys appropriate literature and language arts activities designed to enhance young children’s speaking, listening pre-reading and writing skills. Emphasis is placed on developmental appropriateness as related to language. Upon completion, students should be able to create, evaluate and demonstrate activities which support a language-rich environment for young children.

Credits

3

CHD 204 : Methods and Materials for Teaching Children

This course introduces basic methods and materials used in teaching young children.  Emphasis is placed on students compiling a professional resource file of activities used for teaching math, language arts, science, and social studies concepts.  Upon completion students will be able to demonstrate basic methods of creating learning experiences using developmental appropriate techniques, materials, and realistic expectations, including infant and toddler and pre-school.  Course includes observations of young children in a variety of childcare environments.

Credits

3

CHD 205 : Program Planning for Educating Young Children

This course provides students with knowledge to develop programs for early child development.  Specific content includes a review of child development concepts and program contents. Upon completion students will be able to develop and evaluate effective programs for the education of young children. 

Credits

3

CHD 206 : Children’s Health and Safety

This course introduces basic health, nutrition and safety management practices for young children. Emphasis is placed on setting up and maintaining a safe, healthy environment for young children including specific procedures for infants and toddlers and procedures regarding childhood illnesses and communicable diseases. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare a healthy, safe environment, plan nutritious meals and snacks, and recommend referrals if necessary.

Credits

3

CHD 208 : Administration of Child Development Programs

This course includes appropriate administrative policies and procedures relevant to preschool programs. Topics include local, state and federal regulations; budget planning; record keeping; personnel policies and parent involvement. Upon completion, students should be able to identify elements of a sound business plan, develop familiarity with basic recordkeeping techniques, and identify elements of a developmental^ appropriate program.

Credits

3

CHD 209 : Infant and Toddler Education Programs

This course focuses on child development from infancy to thirty-five months of age with emphasis on planning programs using developmentally appropriate material. Emphasis is placed on positive ways to support an infant’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Upon completion, students should be able to plan an infant-toddler program and environment which is appropriate and supportive of the families and the children.

Credits

3

CHD 210 : Educating Children with Exceptional Needs

This course explores the many different types of exceptionalities found in young children. Topics include speech, language, hearing and visual impairments; gifted and talented children; mental retardation; emotional, behavioral, and neurological handicaps. Upon completion, students should be able to identify appropriate strategies for working with young exceptional children.

Credits

3

CHD 211 : Child Development Seminar

This course provides students with knowledge of a variety of issues and trends related the childcare profession.  Subject matter will vary according to industry and student needs.  Upon completion students should be able to discuss special topics related to current trends and issues in child development.

Credits

2

CHD 214 : Families and Communities in Early Care and Education Programs

This course provides students with information about working with diverse families and communities. Students will be introduced to family and community settings, the importance of relationships with children, and the pressing needs of today’s society. Students will study and practice techniques for developing these important relationships and effective communication skills.

Credits

3

CHD 217 : Math and Science for Young Children

This course provides students with information on children’s conceptual development and the fundamental basic concepts of both math and science. Students learn various techniques for planning, implementing and evaluating developmentally appropriate activities.  Students will also learn about integrated curriculum.

Credits

3