Course Description
The student will study human development from conception through adolescence. All domains of development (physical, social, emotional and cognitive) and the interactions among these domains will be addressed. Emphasis will be on the implications for early childhood professional practice. Basic research methods and developmental theories will be introduced. The theories of Freud, Piaget, Erikson, Vygotsky, Skinner, Gardner and others will be included. Child development in the context of gender, family, culture, and society will be studied. This course is part of the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood and Infant/Toddler Credentials.
IAI Number
ECE 912
IAI Title
Child Growth & Development
Topical Outline
- Why do we study children/ Child development theories
- Biological beginnings
- Prenatal development
- Birth
- Physical development in infancy
- Cognitive development in infancy
- Socioemotional development in infancy
- Physical development in early childhood
- Cognitive development in early childhood
- Socioemotional development in early childhood
- Physical development in middle childhood
- Cognitive development in middle childhood
- Socioemotional development in middle childhood
- Physical development in adolescence
- Cognitive development in adolescence
- Socioemotional development in adolescence
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify and describe theories of typical and atypical development in all domains and explain the interaction between individual and contextual factors and development and learning.
- Justify and promote the use of evidence-based practices supportive of each child’s unique patterns of development and learning.
- Describe the interrelationship between developmental domains, holistic well-being (including health, nutrition, safety and environment) and adaptive /living skills.
- Identify stages and variations across the developmental domains, with emphasis on prenatal, infant, early childhood development but also including middle childhood and adolescent development.
- Apply developmentally appropriate early care and educational practices based on knowledge and understanding of theories and integration of research of typical and atypical growth, development, behavior and learning.
- Define how cultural, familial, biological, and environmental influences, including stress, trauma, protective factors, and resilience, impact children’s well-being, and learning, and overall development.
- Explain how socio-cultural context, such as gender, family, race, ethnicity, language, ability, socio-economics, religion, and society impacts development.
- Interpret children’s unique developmental patterns and identify supportive resources for children who may benefit from further assessment.
- Demonstrate knowledge of processes of first and second language acquisition.
- Integrate research, developmental theories, and observational data to make decisions about evidence-based practice supporting children’s learning and development.