Course Syllabus
Course: HFST 2500
Division: Social and Behavioral Science
Department: Education and Family Studies
Title: Early Childhood Development
Semester Approved: Spring 2023
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2027
End Semester: Fall 2028
Catalog Description: This course will focus on the fundamental principles of growth and development from conception through early and middle childhood. The study of the relevant theories and research in the biological, social, emotional and cognitive development of young children will also be included.
Semesters Offered: Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
Prerequisites: HFST 1500 - Human Development or Instructor Approval
Justification: This course is a required course for Early Childhood Education and Child Care Management majors and is recommended for Family and Consumer Science majors. It articulates to Weber State University (CHEF 2500), Dixie State University (FCS 2500), Utah Valley University (EDEC 2600), and Salt Lake Community College (FHS 2500) and is accepted as elective credit or in the process of articulation at other state universities.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students must demonstrate understanding of major theories in the field of child development. To meet this outcome, students must participate in class discussion and master material through chapter quizzes assigned and evaluated by the instructor.
Students will be required to demonstrate an understanding of at least one child development topic of their choice that will be assisted by the instructor. Students will demonstrate that they have met this outcome by writing an approximately 10-page paper which is assigned and evaluated by the instructor.
Students enrolled in this class must demonstrate knowledge of cognitive, social, and biological development in early childhood. Students will demonstrate a mastery of this outcome by observing children of 4 distinct age groups. They will be required to analyze their own observations and make notes. Furthermore, they will be required to write a paper that reports on findings as assigned and evaluated by the instructor.
Students will demonstrate general knowledge of child development principles. Students will accomplish this outcome by engaging in group discussion, taking chapter quizzes, and completing unit exams that are assigned and graded by the instructor.
Content:
This course will utilize modern techniques employed for the instruction of early childhood development. Due to the sensitive nature of developing young minds, it is vital that diverse methods of instruction and material be used to cultivate their learning and growth. Representation of culture and other diversity factors is important to young children and how they feel in their environments. This course will include the study of:• Exploring Child Development • Heredity and the Environment • Parental Development and Birth • Physical Development: Body, Brain, and Perception• Cognitive Development: Piagetian and Sociocultural Views• Information Processing: The Development of Memory and Thought• Intelligence and Academic Skills • Language Development • Attachment, Temperament, and Emotion • The Development of Self and Gender • Moral Development • Peers, Play, and Popularity • Families • Schools, Media, and Culture
Key Performance Indicators:
Students will be assessed by two or more of the Following Key Performance Indicators:
Written Assignments 30 to 45%
Class Discussion 15 to 25%
Quizzes and Exams 35 to 55%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Cook, J.L and Cook, G. Child Development: Principles and Perspectives. Current edition, Pearson: Boston. (current edition)
Pedagogy Statement:
The pedagogy for this course is focused on student centered learning and creating a supportive, inclusive classroom environment. At Snow College, we believe in empowering students to take control of their own learning by giving them opportunities to ask questions, engage in discussions and collaborate with their peers. We also believe in using a variety of teaching methods and technologies to cater to the diverse learning styles of our students. Some of these methods include but are not limited to lecture, discussion, hands-on opportunities, observation, and applying concepts to real-world scenarios. By fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, we aim to equip my student with the tools they need to succeed in their future endeavors. Additionally, we strive to cultivate a safe and respectful classroom where all students feel valued and heard.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture
Maximum Class Size: 36
Optimum Class Size: 25
