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.

Code C

* Course required in the Child Development Associate (CDA) Certification for employees currently employed within the industry. 

This course is a systematic study of child growth and development from conception through early childhood. Emphasis is on principles underlying physical, mental, emotional, and social development, and on methods of child study, and practical implications. Upon completion, students will be able to use knowledge of how young children differ in development and approaches to learning to provide opportunities that support the physical, social, emotional, language, cognitive, and aesthetic development. PSY 211 may be used as a suitable substitute for this course for the AAS degree program.

Code C

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. On completion, students will be able to select and implement creative and age-appropriate experiences for young children.

Code C

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.

Code C

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

Code C

* Course required in the Child Development Associate (CDA) Certification for employees currently employed within the industry. 

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.

Code C

This course introduces basic health, nutrition and safety management practices for young children. Emphasis is placed on how to set up and maintain safe, healthy environments for young children including specific procedures for infants and toddlers and procedures regarding childhood illnesses and communicable diseases.

Code C

* Course required in the Child Development Associate (CDA) Certification for employees currently employed within the industry. 

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 record-keeping techniques, and identify elements of a developmentally appropriate program.

Code C

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 or toddler’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Upon completion, students should be able to plan an infant-toddler program and environment, that is appropriate and supportive of the families and the children.

Code C

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 children.

Code C

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.

Code C

This course provides a minimum of 90 hours of hands-on, supervised experience in an approved program for young children. Students will develop a portfolio documenting experiences gained during this course.

Code C