Child Development Specialist (CD61)  Technical Certificate of Credit

Introduces concepts relating the responsibilities and procedures involved in a variety of early childhood care situations. Topics include historical perspectives; professionalism; guidance; developmentally appropriate practices; learning environment (including all children); cultural diversity; and licensing accreditation and credentialing.

Introduces the student to the physical social emotional and cognitive development of the young child (prenatal through 12 years of age). The course provides for competency development in observing recording and interpreting growth and development stages in the young child; advancing physical and intellectual competence; supporting social and emotional development; and examining relationships between child development and positive guidance. Topics include developmental characteristics prenatal through age 12 developmental guidance applications observing and recording techniques ages and stages of development and introduction to children with special needs.

Introduces the theory practices and requirements for establishing and maintaining a safe healthy learning environment. Topics include CPR and first aid health issues safety issues child abuse and neglect and nutritional needs of children.

Provides student with an understanding of developmentally effective approaches to teaching learning observing documenting and assessment strategies that promote positive development for young children. The course will enable the student to establish a learning environment appropriate for young children and to identify the goals benefits and uses of assessment in the development of curriculum for young children. Topics include observing documenting and assessing; learning environments; development of curriculum plans and materials; curriculum approaches; and instructional media.

Provides the student with the opportunity to gain a supervised experience in a practicum placement site allowing demonstration of techniques obtained from course work. Practicum topics include promoting child development and learning; building family and community relationships; observing documenting and assessing to support young children and families; teaching and learning; becoming a professional; and guidance techniques and classroom management.