3.00 Credits
This course focuses on child development from conception to age nine with an emphasis on the infant/preschool child through middle childhood. The course studies the physical, cognitive, and personality-social aspects of development, both through normal and atypical circumstances. Small group projects, child observations, investigation, and discussion of issues related to scientific principles of development are examined. Students will explore child-focused software and use the Internet to locate information relevant to the further study of child development and developmentally appropriate practice. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards, the Pennsylvania Early Learning standards (ELS), and the Council for Exceptional Children standards (CEC) are used throughout the course. Students should obtain clearances in accordance with Act 34, Act 114, and Act 151 while taking this course.