CD 110W - Infant/Toddler Development

Credits: 4
Instructional Contact Hours: 5

Introduces the skills needed to interact with infants and toddlers as a teacher in a professional capacity and includes observing and participating with these specialized populations and their teachers. Identifies curriculum methods used to enhance growth in all developmental areas, and skills required to work with parents to foster basic early learning enhancement. Requires volunteering 3 hours per week for a total of 30 contact hours in an approved, public, child development program during the main portion of the day.

Prerequisite(s): READING LEVEL 2 or WRITING LEVEL 2
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 45 Lab Hours: 30
Meets MTA Requirement: None
Pass/NoCredit: No

Outcomes and Objectives

Define the stages of growth and development of children under 2 1/2 years old.
1. Differentiate the needs of newborns, young infant, mobile infant and the toddler.
2. Define the physical, social, emotional, cognitive skills to be learned at each stage of growth.
Identify use of routines as opportunities for growth and learning.
1. Describe the importance of building trusting relationships for optimal growth and development.
2. Explain the proper timing of self-help skills in all areas of development.
Define the stages of language development and non-verbal communication.
1. Understand the critical role of non-verbal communication.
2. Define the progression of stages in acquiring language.
Plan, prepare and present appropriate learning activities.
1. Identify activities that enhance and foster development.
2. Extend activities to appeal to a mixed age group.
Make connections between the center, the home, and the family.
1. Identify the importance of communicating with parents.
2. Role model learning methods for the parent to use at home.
Promote writing tasks to promote learning.
1. Understand and analyze information in written form.
2. Explain the subject matter in a coherent writing style.
3. Evaluate the information.
Function as a teacher's assistant in a developmentally appropriate program, while acquiring technical teaching skills from professional teachers.
1. Complete 3 hours a week for 10 weeks of instructor approved fieldwork during the main portion of the teaching curriculum in an infant/toddler classroom.
2. Perform as a cooperating member of a teaching team.
3. Record classroom activities and observations in a daily journal.
Relate theory to practice while participating in an early childhood program.
1. Identify developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood classrooms serving infant/toddlers (2 weeks-2.5 years old).
2. Apply goals, objectives and strategies for both age groups.
3. Organize curriculum experiences around developmental themes.
4. Evaluate the quality of programs for both age groups.
5. Share impressions and experiences in the classroom seminar.