Middle Childhood and Adolescent Development

Catalog description

This course provides an overview of physical, cognitive, emotional and social development from middle childhood through adolescence, ages 7 to early adulthood. A range of theoretical viewpoints, research findings and practical issues are considered in examining this period of development. The dynamic nature of development and the uniqueness of each individual child and the family with middle childhood aged children/adolescents are emphasized. Professional standards for working with 7-year-olds to young adults and their families are stressed. A weekly field observation in early childhood programs, schools, agencies or therapeutic setting is required. Students must have three current clearances: FBI Fingerprint Clearance, a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance, and a Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse History Clearance and meet the local requirements of the field placement site, including the National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Verification Clearance.