Child Development

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 should be able to demonstrate basic methods of creating learning experiences using appropriate techniques, materials and realistic expectations.

This course is designed to give students practice in lesson and unit planning, writing behavioral objectives, and evaluating activities taught to young children. Emphasis is placed on identifying basic aspects of cognitive development and how children learn. Upon completion, students should be able to plan and implement developmental^ appropriate curriculum and instructional practices based on knowledge of individual differences and the curriculum goals and content.

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.

This course will provide students information on child observations, portfolio building, observation documentation, and various recording techniques, as well as a review of child development principles. Students will also be given guidance for the appropriate use of assessment materials and ways to support and work with families. Course may include practice in documenting observations.

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.

This course focuses on child development from infancy to thirty 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.

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.

A selection of topics relating to young children are addressed in this course. Subject matter will vary according to industry and student needs. Upon completion, students should demonstrate competencies designed to assess course objectives.

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.

This course provides a minimum of 90 hours of hands-on, supervised experience in an approved program for young children. Emphasis is placed on performance of daily duties which are assessed by the college instructor and the cooperating teacher. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competency in a child care setting.