Description:

Surveys brain development, developmental milestones, partnerships with parents, appropriate activities, healthy environments, and guidance techniques. Open to anyone interested in the child from birth to age three. Format includes lecture and worksite experience.

Outcomes:

After completing this class, students should be able to:

• Discuss the significance of brain research and its implications for infant and toddler caregivers
• Describe quality indicators of a healthy environment for infants and toddlers
• Plan a developmentally appropriate environment for the very young child
• Plan and implement simple activities to foster the development and learning of infants and toddlers
• Demonstrate understanding of infant emotional cures
• Provide individualized care routines for infants and toddlers
• Practice basic health and safety procedures applicable in a child care center serving children under three years of age
• Practice guidance techniques appropriate and effective with children under three years of age
• Demonstrate the importance of supporting partnerships with families by practicing respectful interactions and reflecting an understanding and appreciation of individual and cultural differences
• Demonstrate the ability to plan and implement appropriate activities that relate to the developmental characteristics of infants and toddlers and that use a variety of materials
• Use the knowledge, skills, and techniques developed to observe infants and toddlers and identify their unique characteristics and level of development