Child Development

This course will provide students with the opportunity to study human development. Students will examine the various stages of personal growth and developmental psychology. A focus will be placed on the development of human beings from infants to adolescents. The importance of an individual’s self-esteem and relationships with others will be stressed. Be prepared to read books, play games and design activities for children of all ages at local childcare centers and schools.

Credits

.5 Social Studies & Humanities

Grades

9-12

School Competencies
  • Self-Reflection & Advocacy (Awareness - Foundational)
  • Self-Expression (Communication - Foundational)
  • Writing (Communication - Foundational)          
  • Critical Thinking (Problem Solving & Analysis - Foundational)  
  • Interpretation (Problem Solving & Analysis - Foundational)
  • Logical Processing (Problem Solving & Analysis - Foundational)
  • Empathy (Wellness - Foundational)
  • Executive Functioning (Wellness - Foundational)
  • Self-Directed Learning (Wellness - Foundational)
  • Advocate for Others  (Awareness - Advanced)
  • Critical Observation (Awareness - Advanced)
  • Cognitive Flexibility (Problem Solving & Analysis - Advanced)
  • Social Wellness (Wellness-Advanced)
Course Competencies
  • Given information and an understanding of research methods students will be able to explain, interpret and apply the three major domains of development, the five periods of child development, the five theoretical perspectives of development. 
  • Given research and topics in child development, students will interpret the various milestones related to growth and development. This includes examining and evaluating age-appropriate activities and strategies to best meet the needs of students given their age and period of development, parenting and/or discipline techniques, and health and wellness related to age and development. 
  • Given the opportunity to observe and interact with children students will demonstrate an understanding of specific behaviors and/or milestones. Including comparing subjective and objective interpretations of observations, identifying current valid reliable methods of observation and interactions with children, and demonstrating an ability to choose and read age appropriate books to children of different ages.