School Age and Youth Care (SA21)  Technical Certificate of Credit

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.

Enables the student to value the complex characteristics of children*s families and communities and to develop culturally responsive practices which will support family partnerships. Students use their understanding to build reciprocal relationships which promote children*s development and learning. Students are introducedto local programs and agencies that offer services to children and families within the community. Topics include professional responsibilities family/social issues community resources family education and support teacher-family communication community partnerships social diversity and anti-bias concerns successful transitions and school-family activities.

Examines effective guidance practices in group settings based upon the application of theoretical models of child development and of developmentally appropriate practices. Focus will be given to individual, family, and cultural diversity. Topics will include developmentally appropriate child guidance (birth through 12); effective classroom management, including preventive and interventive techniques; understanding challenging behaviors; and implementing guidance plans.

Introduces the student to the physical social emotional and intellectual development of the early adolescent (1215 years of age). Provides learning experiences related to the principles of human growth development and maturation and theories of learning and behavior. Topics include developmental characteristics guidance techniques and developmentally appropriate practice.

Provides the student with information about preparing appropriate environments and planning and implementing activities for school age children and youth. This class includes 30 hours of lab during which the student will be observed implementing the concepts learned in class. Topics include space design varied choices and program activities to promote interest in: athletic/physical development community involvement cultural arts literacy math science and technology and positive social relationships.