Description:

Studies the physical, social, and emotional development of the child from infancy to adolescence.

Outcomes:

After completing this class, students should be able to:

• Articulate contributions of major developmental theorists
• Explain the role of theories and research in understanding child development
• Analyze different developmental events from the perspective of the major theories of development
• Recall important developmental concepts and apply these across the age span of childhood
• Explain the importance of nurturing each child’s individual development as it relates to the child’s self-esteem
• Discuss practical concerns relating to parenting, health, social conditions, and education of the developing child
• Outline age-level expectancies in relation to child behavior and skill development
• Use developmental norms in understanding, guiding, teaching, observing, and assessing children
• Recognize early signs of developmental delays in children
• Use the skills and techniques developed to observe a variety of ages and identify physical, cognitive, emotional, and social characteristics of individual children
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct an anecdotal observation of a child and to develop a written report
• Understand and discuss the implications of culture and human diversity as these relate to child development