Course Description
This course examines the theories and research related to infants and toddlers in the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive areas of development. Focus is given to parent/care giver communication and interpersonal skills, developmentally appropriate curriculum planning based on observation, the nature of group care, and the needs of the individual. This course requires 15 hours of observation and participation. This course is part of the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Infant/Toddler Credential.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s)
Topical Outline
- Principles, practice and curriculum
- Infant toddler education
- Care giving as curriculum
- Play and exploration as curriculum
- Attachment
- Perception
- Motor skills
- Cognition
- Language
- Emotions
- Social skills
- The physical environment
- Adult relations in infant-toddler care and education programs
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the developmental trajectory of children birth to three and outlines realistic expectations for infant/toddler knowledge, capabilities and behaviors.
- Describe ways that attachment, development, and learning, prenatal-age 3, are influenced by early environments and experiences (e.g., adult/child interaction, opportunities for exploration).
- Describe individual differences in infants and toddler’s interactions with and responses to the physical and social world.
- Identify how early relationships with and among caregivers influence healthy development and learning, prenatal-age 3.
- Explain interrelationship between unique developmental trajectories and early relationships (e.g. attachment, trust) with primary caregivers on infant and toddler development, learning, mental health, and well-being.