Child Development Specialization

This course focuses on play as the primary learning modality for young children. In this course, students will explain the function of play as a teaching and learning tool as well as analyze the role of play as a means of assessment. Students will evaluate the cultural and individual student factors that impact play in diverse settings. Finally, students will design appropriate play based activities and formulate a framework of play and learning for working with young children. Prerequisite: ECD 405

Introduction to Child Development examines the principles of child development from birth to adolescence. The course begins with students discussing the major developmental stages, domains, and milestones of child development. Students will also analyze how knowledge of theories, developmental stages, and domains of development support developmentally appropriate practices. Throughout the course students will explore the importance of family involvement and the strategies that foster communication and engagement from families. Finally, using their knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices, students will describe environments that nurture the physical, socio-emotional, language and cognitive growth of every child.

This course provides a basic introduction to the nature of human growth and development as it occurs from conception through early childhood. Students learn about motor, cognitive, social, emotional, moral, aesthetic, and language development in early childhood.

This course explores developmental theory and the relationship to the socialization and education of young children in child rearing, caring, and education. Special emphasis will be placed upon exploring how the child is viewed in the context of his or her family and the community at large.