Child Development is a college course that focuses on child growth and development as ascertained through developmental assessment of young children. It is essentially one of the core classes for anyone entering the education field of study. Individuals majoring in child psychology, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and social work will all be expected to take a course in child development. Child development notes provide valuable information for anyone working with young children. Child Development is also advisable for day care workers and health care providers that expect to be working with children.
A child development course will cover a typical range of topics. It looks at all aspects of a child, including the social, intellectual, physical, and emotional development. The overall goal of the child development course is to provide the best possible conditions for all children to reach their full potential in all areas of development. Course basics may include an introduction to early childhood education with a study of children’s stages of development beginning at birth. Program planning for early education as well as observation and analysis of behavior is also a must. Care of infants and toddlers is another area of focus. Communicating with parents is essential. Guiding children in the classroom, behavior management, health and nutrition, and effective teaching practices are included in the course. CPR and first aid for young children are part of the course as well. There should be course work involving the child, the family, and the surrounding community. Often, observations and case studies in a childcare setting or classroom are another component of a child development course.
There are a wide range of common textbooks used in the field of Child Development. One example is Roger Feldman’s third edition, “Child Development,” published by Prentice Hall textbooks. Laura Berk’s eighth edition of “Child Development” by Pearson textbooks is another standard in the field. “Magic Trees of the Mind: How to Nurture Your Child’s Intellignece, Creativity and Healthy Emotions from Birth Trhough Adolescence” by Marian Diamond and Janet Hopson is an invaluable textbook that is relatively new on the child development scene. “Advances in Child Development and Behavior” by Robert Kail and Hayne W. Eds. Reese is in its 29th edition as an excellent resource for individuals interested in the development of young children. “Alternative Approaches to Assessing Young Children,” by Angela Losardo and Angela Notari-Syverson is in its second edition of print and provides tools for developmental assessment. “Linking Assessment and Early Childhood Intervention” by Stephen J. Bagnato, John T. Neisworth, Kristi Pretti-Frontczak is another source for assessment that may be used as a reference. There are many other textbook possibilities that will provide students with a well-rounded picture of the development of children, all beginning from birth.
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