Child Development - The Physical, Cognitive, and Social Development of the Child
This is a self-paced, 12 week course - designed to give students a solid foundation in the principles of child development. This course is perfect for future teachers, childcare workers, social workers, nurses doctors, and more.
New on Outschool
What's included
12 pre-recorded lessons
12 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentAssignments
1-2 hours per week. There will be short journaling and reflection assignments each week. Journaling / reflections will take approximately 20 minutes to complete weekly.Projects
There will be 2-3 Projects throughout the course. The projects are expected to take 2-3 hours each. Examples of projects: Evaluate a child's educational toy based on the age and stage of development for intended child, Create a virtual toy-box for a 3rd grade class to facilitate proper social / emotional growth, Create a game for 4-5 year old children that emphasizes healthy snack choices, Plan a baby shower for a first time mother, who needs baby items from birth to 12 months. Plan a birthday party for a 5 year old and also plan for younger siblings ages 2-4 at this party with age appropriate foods, games, and activities.Letter Grade
I will give letter grades for completed projects. Journaling / reflections are more for the learners benefit - to process information learned.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 12
This course is a self-paced course designed to cover 12 weeks of study, however it can be completed faster if learner desires. This is an introductory course to Child Development. Each week, I will have a video presentation of the day's topic. Each week, there will be intriguing journal questions related to the topic of the week. Assignments will include engaging projects, and observations of children (if learner has that availability) to relate back to the theories and ages and stages we are studying. We will discuss careers that utilize child development principles daily.
Learning Goals
Students will analyze child development theories and their implications for educational childcare practices (NASAFACS 4.2.1)Students will explore and explain the roles and functions of individuals engaged in early childhood, education and services (NASAFACS 4.1.1)
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum12 Lessons
over 12 WeeksLesson 1:
What is Child Development, the 3 Domains of Development, and Ages and Stages?
Introduction Lesson on Child Development, 3 Domains of Child Development, and what is meant by the terms Ages and Stages. Will have an overview of what to expect for the course. 2 assignments
Lesson 2:
Theory & Reasearch in Child Development
Why do we study Child Development? Who are the pioneers in this study and what theories do we use when studying Child Development. We will focus on Maslow, Erikson, Watson, and Piaget - focusing on their broad theories and how these researchers influence the study of child development today. 1 assignment
Lesson 3:
Nature vs Nurture
What is the difference between Nature and Nurture? Does genetics or environment influence development? We will discuss the theories surrounding Nature vs Nurture, including twin studies. 1 assignment
Lesson 4:
Pre-Natal to Newborn Development
We will explore the stages of Physical, Cognitive, and Social / Emotional development throughout the pre-natal to newborn stage. 1 assignment
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Sensitive topics:
Basic education on the signs of abuse and neglect will be discussed.
Basic education on eating disorders will be discussed in the adolescent lesson.
Recommend a composition notebook for journaling OR Digital Journaling is Acceptable.
Recommend three ring binder, hole punch, and printer to print learning materials to keep for the course - if preferred over digital copies. Binder not required in the course - but recommended to stay organized with class material and assignments.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Course Textbook is Child Development from Infancy to Adolescence, 2nd Edition. Authors: Laura E. Levine / Joyce Munsch.
I use this text to create the course and as a main reference to teach. Students are NOT required to have the text book - but a copy can be found on Vital Source.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Family and Consumer Science - Licensed Teacher, 2021 to present.
Bachelors Degree in Child and Family Studies - 2002, Berea College
Masters Degree in Education - 2022, Fort Hays University
Registered Dietitian / Licensed Dietitian - 2003, University of Kentucky
Parent of 4 childrenReviews
Self-Paced Course
$13
weekly or $150 for all content12 pre-recorded lessons
12 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Choose your start date
Ages: 13-18
