This course examines the development of children from prenatal to early adolescence. The various theories of child development, and the research and practice that relates to the theories will be addressed, including the cultural, social and economic influences, as well as the complex, interconnection of relationships between biology and environment. Students will build a functional understanding of the foundation of child development, prenatal to early adolescence; and will observe and document physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of children, reflective of cross cultural and global perspectives. Students will analyze and summarize various learning theories to develop and assess environments designed for diverse learners in inclusive classrooms. Research and practicum work emphasizes the relationship between theory and practice and the development of self-analytic, reflective, and problem solving skills in pedagogical contexts. The emphasis is on the generation of evidence-based research understandings, creation of pedagogical tools, and critical reflections on fieldwork.
Registration
This course is for students admitted into the Early Childhood Education Track at the Tacoma campus. Contact the faculty for more information.