Course Description
This one semester elective class is an extension of Parenting/Child Development 1. The course is designed to prepare students with the skills necessary in a future role as a parent, family and community member and child care worker. The project-based course is designed to address the growth and parenting of toddlers through adolescents. Specific topics include: physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of a toddler, school age and adolescent child; special needs children; developmental appropriate activities, Child abuse, first aid and careers in child development. On-site child visits will be integrated into the course. A minimum of 80% in Parenting/Child Development 1 is a pre-requisite for this course.
Rationale
Parenting is one of the most difficult jobs a person will ever have. Today families have many problems in raising children to function properly in society. Yet, so many people who have children do not have the background in child development to help them prepare for their future parenting roles. This course will help students learn about family issues/child development from toddlers through adolescents and will be able to apply these skills in raising their own children and family.
Instructional Philosophy and Delivery Plan
Students will be expected to meet all of the course goals and be able to demonstrate their understanding of the basic concepts of parenting and child development. Instruction will focus on hands-on activities as well as lecture, discussion, guest speakers, use of technology and other methods. Students will have the opportunity to work individually and as a member of a team to complete projects. Projects will require students to use academic skills in language arts, math, social studies and science. Student assessment will be based upon group work and/or individual participation, presentations, written reports, tests on concept knowledge and demonstrations of important skills. In addition, community resources will be accessed through speakers, field trips and student contacts.
Major Course Projects
• Preschool Activity project
• Stages of Development portfolio
Course Goals
2.1 Analyze principles of human growth and development across the life span.
2.1.1 Explain principles of human growth and development.
2.1.2 Examine the basic human needs and patterns that influence individual development.
2.1.3 Examine the influences of personality, temperament, and experience on learning and development.
2.1.4 Investigate the interrelationship of physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development across the life span.
2.1.5 Examine human development theories.
2.2 Examine personal and social forces that impact human growth and development across the life span.
2.2.1 Investigate the impact of heredity and family on human growth and development.
2.2.2 Analyze the impact of social, economic, and technological forces on human growth and development.
2.2.4 Assess the effects of environment and community on human growth and development.
2.2.5 Explain the effect of life events and conditions on individuals’ physical and emotional development.
2.3 Evaluate strategies that promote healthy development across the life span.
2.3.1 Select practices that support development across the life span.
2.3.2 Assess support systems that meet individual and family needs.
5.1 Analyze roles and responsibilities of parenting.
5.1.1 Examine the roles of parenting across the life span.
5.1.2 Examine expectations and responsibilities of parenting.
5.1.3 Recognize consequences of parenting practices to the individual, family and society.
5.1.4 Examine cultural differences in roles and responsibilities of parenting.
5.2 Analyze societal conditions that impact parenting.
5.2.1 Investigate the impact of personal, family and social development on parenting.
5.2.3 Explore the impact of changing economic conditions on parenting practices.
5.3 Evaluate parenting practices that maximize human growth and development.
5.3.1 Choose nurturing practices that support human growth and development.
5.3.2 Select communication strategies that promote positive self-esteem in family members.
5.3.3 Compare common discipline practices on human growth and development.
5.3.4 Describe the impact of abuse and neglect on children and families and methods for prevention.
5.3.5 Evaluate criteria for selecting care for children.
5.4 Evaluate external support systems that provide services for parents.
5.4.1 Assess community resources and services available to families.
5.4.2 Review current laws and policies related to parenting.
5.5 Analyze physical and emotional factors related to beginning the parenting process.
5.5.1 Examine biological processes related to prenatal development, birth, and the health of mother and child.
5.5.2 Consider the emotional factors of prenatal development and birth in relation to the health of the parents and child.
5.5.3 Examine implications of alternatives to biological parenting.
5.5.4 Determine legal and ethical impacts of technology.
Human Development 2
