Childhood Development (CHD)

Emphasizes the early development of children's language and literacy skills. Presents techniques and methods for supporting all aspects of communication and emergent reading and writing. Addresses equitable and inclusive strategies for intervention and support. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.

Introduces early childhood development through activities and experiences in early childhood, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and primary programs. Investigates classroom organization and procedures, and use of classroom time and materials, approaches to education for young children, professionalism, and curricular procedures. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Focuses on children's exploration, play, and creative expression in the areas of art, music, and movement. Emphasis will be on developing strategies for using various open-ended media representing a range of approaches in creative thinking. Addresses strategies for intervention and support for exceptional children and English Language Learners. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.

Provides experiences in content, methods, and materials for the development of math, science, and social studies skills in children. Emphasis will be on developing strategies for using various resources to facilitate children's construction of knowledge. Addresses strategies for intervention and support for all children. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.

Examines developmental and behavioral principles, practices, and how these provide the most developmentally suitable curriculum and learning environment for very young children. Includes working with very young children with typical development, as well as, those who are gifted, or have developmental delays or disabilities. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Focuses on observation as the primary method for gathering information about children in early childhood settings. Emphasizes development of skills in the implementation of a range of observation techniques. Includes minimum 30 hours of field placement in early learning setting. Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 4 hours per week.

Examines the care and education of infants and toddlers from birth to 36 months in group settings. Focuses on development in the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and language domains and other factors related to working with infants/toddlers and their families. Emphasizes the importance of the environment and relationships for healthy brain development during the child's first three years of life. Investigates regulatory standards for infant/toddler care giving. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Emphasizes social development and guidance. Presents practices that are respectful and meet the emotional needs of individual children. Addresses strategies for communicating expectations, promoting prosocial behaviors, preventing, and minimizing behavioral challenges through careful planning of the learning environment, curriculum, and teacher guidance. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Reviews the history of and legal requirements for providing intervention and educational services for young children with special needs. Studies the characteristics of children with a diverse array of needs and developmental abilities. Explores concepts of early intervention, inclusion, guiding behavior and adapting environments to meet children's needs. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Studies and discusses the various models and theories of early childhood education programs including current trends and issues. Presents state licensing and staff requirements. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Explores methods of developing positive, effective partnerships with families to enhance their developmental goals for children. Describes risk and protective factors and identifies community resources. Considers culture and other diverse needs, perspectives, and abilities of families and educators. Emphasizes advocacy and public policy awareness as an important role of early childhood educators. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Explores the creative activities, techniques, interactions, and program development that promote positive social and emotional growth in school-age children. Emphasizes positive development through everyday programming and experiences. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Discusses the development of social skills that school-age children need for self-management, including self-discipline, self-esteem, and coping with stress and anger. Explores ways to effectively guide and discipline school-age children, focusing on how adults can facilitate positive pro-social and self-management skills. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Focuses on implementation of activity planning and observation of children through participation in early childhood settings. Emphasizes responsive teaching practices and assessment of children's development. Reviews legal and ethical implications of working with children. Supports the student in creating a professional educational portfolio. Includes 30 hours of field placement in early. Lecture 2 hours. Lab 2 hours. Total 4 hours per week.

Examines the skills needed for establishing and managing early childhood programs. Emphasizes professionalism and interpersonal skills, program planning, staff selection and development, creating policies, budgeting, and developing forms for recordkeeping. Lecture 3 hours per week.