EDUC120 Early Learning and Development I: Ages Birth - 5
Department of Social & Behavioral Science: Education
- I. Course Number and Title
- EDUC120 Early Learning and Development I: Ages Birth - 5
- II. Number of Credits
- 3 credits
- III. Number of Instructional Minutes
- 2250
- IV. Prerequisites
- None
- Corequisites
- None
- V. Other Pertinent Information
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Five hours of observation required. Pennsylvania Department of Education clearances required.
- VI. Catalog Course Description
- This course explores child development in the cognitive, language, physical, emotional, and social domains within a theoretical and research framework for children from birth to five years of age. Students examine the influences of cultural diversity, family, and education on early learning and development. Five hours of observation required.
- VII. Required Course Content and Direction
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Course Learning Goals
Students will:
- explain the theories, research, and controversies in child development;
- identify the cognitive, language, physical, social and emotional growth and development of the child from birth through age five and relate the development to the PA early learning standards;
- describe the influence of heredity and environment on conception, birth, and development, including the influence of the family, culture, and community on child development; and
- describe the importance of health, safety, fitness, and nutrition standards in the development of healthy children.
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Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
- Theory and research in child development
- History, theory, and research strategies
- Observation strategies
- Foundations of development
- Biological and environmental foundations
- Genetics, understanding the relationships between heredity and environment
- Prenatal development, preparing for parenthood
- Birth of the newborn baby, including stages of childbirth and approaches to childbirth
- Infancy and toddlerhood
- Cognitive development
- Language development
- Physical development
- Emotional and social development
- Early childhood: two to five years
- Physical development in early childhood
- Language development in early childhood
- Cognitive development in early childhood
- Emotional and social development in early childhood
- Children with special learning needs
- The role of family, community, and culture on child development.
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Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
The assessment of course learning goals will be based on participation in classroom discussions, online discussions, written exams, assignments, papers, observation [5 hours], and performance based tasks and projects. -
Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
See course syllabus.
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Revision / Approval Date: 7/2010; New Core 8/2015; Revised 6/2017