Version: 3/20/2019 2
Additional Course Information
Topical Outline: Each offering of this course must include the following topics (be sure to include information regarding lab,
practicum, and clinical or other non-lecture instruction).
I. Summarize principles of growth and development (from the prenatal period to age 18 years) • Explain the
principles of growth and development. • Analyze the various influences or factors that may influence all
domains of development (such as prenatal health care, culture, historical influences, stress, family life,
nutritional issues, etc.). • Investigate the integrated relationship between physical, cognitive and socio-
emotional development. • Describe how current research impacts one's understanding of growth and
development.
II. Summarize developmental stages in various domains (from the prenatal period through age 18 years) •
Explain the process of development from conception through birth and explore the various stages of
prenatal development. • Investigate potential prenatal risks and concerns and discuss practices that tend to
ensure the birth of a healthy infant. • Describe/discuss physical development from conception through
adolescence. • Describe/discuss cognitive development from conception through adolescence. •
Describe/discuss social-emotional development from birth through adolescence.
III. Discuss theories of development: • Explain the purpose of child development study and research (birth-age
18 years) • Compare and contrast theories of child and adolescent development (in all domains-physical,
cognitive, language, and social-emotional). • Analyze theoretical approaches, research, and theorists. •
Describe the nature vs. nurture debate and the interaction between these two variables
IV. Discuss the impact of developmental processes on parenting and educational practices. • Describe a
developmentally appropriate environment for all developmental stages, focusing on creating environments
that are physically and emotionally safe for each age; discuss the prevention of child abuse in all its forms
(neglect, physical abuse, psychological abuse, and sexual abuse) • Explain developmentally appropriate
practice (appropriate for the age/stage, individual differences, and culture of the child or adolescent).
V. Discuss types and techniques of observation. • Analyze types of observation techniques. • Describe ethical
issues in observation and assessment of children.
VI. Explain the importance of play. • Discuss the developmental significance of play. • Describe the various
models and stages of play.
VII. Demonstrate skills in practical application of developmental principles and theories, observation
techniques, and recognition of growth and developmental patterns
National Association for the Education of Young Children Standards measured in this course:
1. Promoting child development and learning
2. Building family and community relationships
3. Observing, documenting, and assessing
4. Using developmentally appropriate approaches to connect with children and families
5. Using content knowledge to build meaningful curriculum
6. Becoming a professional
Course Learning Outcomes:
Learning Outcomes – Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1. Summarize principles of growth and development.
2. Identify typical stages of cognitive, social, physical, language, and emotional development and will identify
milestones for each domain across the stages.
3. Compare, contrast and apply theories of development in practice.
4. Discuss the impact of developmental processes on educational practices.
5. Identify the stages of play development (i.e. from solitary to cooperative) and describe the important role of
play in young children’s learning and development.
