Early Childhood Development and Developmentally Appropriate Practices

Catalog description

This course provides a framework for understanding early childhood development and the role of early childhood educators in understanding individual development through authentic and other forms of assessment for children aged birth to 5 (including those with special needs) and their families. The course prepares candidates to understand and assess children's development, as well as to participate in developmentally appropriate assessment, select classroom environments, curriculum, and interventions/instructional strategies for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. This course emphasizes that practices are only developmentally appropriate when families are included in these processes. Students will gain knowledge and skills required to serve as inclusive educators and assessment leaders in early childhood and special education.