EDUC141 Practical Psychology for the Childcare Worker

Department of Social & Behavioral Science: Education

  1. Course Number and Title

    EDUC141 Practical Psychology for the Childcare Worker

  2. Number of Credits

    3 credits

  3. Minimum Number of Instructional Minutes Per Semester

    2250 minutes

  4. Prerequisites

    None

    Corequisites

    None

  5. Other Pertinent Information

    None

  6. Catalog Course Description

    An exploration of the interpersonal and affective skills necessary for the childcare worker to interact with children, parents, and co-workers. Included is an overview of child development, communication skills, and the recognition of the childcare worker as a professional. Emphasis placed on dealing positively with stresses peculiar to children and adults in the childcare setting.

  7. Required Course Content and Direction

    1. Learning Goals:

      1. To be able to describe the effects of childcare on young children, their parents, and the childcare worker.
      2. To be able to describe the developmental phases in the young child.
      3. To be able to design developmentally appropriate activities for young children.
      4. To be able to develop a behavior management program that is developmentally appropriate.
      5. To be able to develop appropriate solutions for common childhood behavior problems.

    2. Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities:

      1. Introduction
        1. Effects of child care on young children and caregivers.
        2. A historical perspective on daycare.
      2. Development of infants and toddlers
        1. Cognitive development
        2. Motor development
        3. Social/Emotional development
        4. Language development
      3. Development of preschool children
        1. Cognitive development
        2. Motor development
        3. Social/Emotional development
        4. Language development
      4. Positive guidance and discipline techniques
      5. Family life and concerns
        1. Cooperating with parents
        2. Effective communication with parents
      6. Interaction with co-workers
        1. Working as a team
        2. Conflict resolution
      7. Frequently encountered discipline problems.

    3. Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals:

    4. Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Students:

      Departmentally selected textbook. Articles from education journals. Details provided by the instructor of each course section. See Course Format.

  8. Teaching Methods Employed

    Use of lecture and observations of local daycare centers.

Review/Approval Date -4/99