Infant and Toddler Programs - CHD 166 at Virginia Highlands Community College
https://courses.vccs.edu/colleges/vhcc/courses/CHD166-InfantandToddlerPrograms
Effective: 2016-08-01
Course Description
Examines child growth and development from birth to 36 months. Focuses on development in the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and language domains. Emphasizes the importance of the environment and relationships for healthy brain development during the child's first three years of life. Investigates regulatory standards for infant/toddler care giving.
Lecture 3 hours per week.
3 credits
The course outline below was developed as part of a statewide standardization process.
General Course Purpose
To provide a foundation for those working with, or preparing to work with infants and toddlers, including strategies for providing safe and healthy learning environments for young children, as well as strategies to maintain positive relationships with families.
Course Objectives
- Identify the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and language developmental characteristics of infants and toddlers.
- Create developmentally appropriate learning experiences which support positive development for infants and toddlers.
- Identify appropriate materials and methodologies for scaffolding knowledge in the areas of physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and language development.
- Describe what is meant by the phrase "the least restrictive environment (LRE)," and explain how this relates to the provision of enhanced learning opportunities for infants and toddlers with exceptionalities or who may be at risk for developmental delays.
- Examine appropriate environments that promote positive development for infants and toddlers.
- Explain the importance of establishing emotionally supportive relationships with infants and toddlers and their families.
- Describe the role of culture in the healthy development of infants and toddlers.
- Review state and local regulatory standards and explain their application for infant and toddler programming.
- Identify and apply learning standards as they relate to infants and toddlers: the Child Development Milestones and Core Competencies for Early Childhood Professionals.
Major Topics to be Included
- Licensing and other regulatory requirements for infant and toddler care
- Program/home communication strategies
- Knowledge and practice of professional standards of conduct
- Sources of information regarding developmental assessment and referral for young children at risk for or having special needs
- Community resources for supporting children and families