Growth & Development of the Young Child

Students study the dynamics of child growth and development from birth to 14 years of age, thereby acquiring a complete view of the development of a healthy personality in the child. Students also identify rates and patterns of growth in young children. They also develop an understanding of the implications for creating healthy environments for children, individually and in groups. Discussion of special needs will be addressed throughout the course. Students observe infants, toddlers, preschool children and interview school age children. The focus of these observations includes applying developmental theory to the behaviors observed and to interpret the behaviors according to theories covered in this course.