Child Guidance

Catalog description

This course examines principles, research, and developmentally appropriate practices for guiding the behavior of all young children (typical and atypical) from birth through age eight. Emphasis is placed on creating supportive, inclusive environments that foster positive social and emotional development. Students explore developmentally appropriate strategies to promote self-regulation, empathy, and problem-solving while addressing challenging behaviors through proactive, constructive, and respectful approaches. This course includes an examination of early stress and coping, guided imagery, separation, and loss. Special attention is given to trauma-informed and resilience-based approaches that recognize the impact of adverse experiences on behavior and learning. Students will focus on implementing play-based activities for children birth to age 8 through the integration of creative arts, physical activity, social-emotional development, and mental health, as well as basic techniques for therapeutic play. This. The course includes a required 15-hour pre-student teaching clinical experience in an infant, toddler, and preschool setting. A minimum grade of C in this course is required for all education majors.