Course Descriptions - CHD

Child Development (CHD)

CHD 100   Introduction of Early Care and  Education of Children

3 semester hours
Prerequisite: None

This course introduces students to the child education and care profession. It is designed to increase understanding of the basic concepts of child development and the developmental characteristics of children from birth through age 8/9 years. This course is the foundation for planning appropriate activities for children and establishing appropriate expectations of young children. This class also offers an opportunity to study the developmental domains (social, emotional, cognitive/language and physical). Course includes observations of the young child in early childhood settings.

CHD 201   Child Growth and Development Principles

3 semester hours
Prerequisite: None

This course is a systematic study of child growth and development from conception through early childhood.   Emphasis is on principles underlying physical, mental, emotional and social development, and methods of child study and practical implications. Upon completion, students will be able to use knowledge of how young children differ in development and approaches to learning to provide opportunities that supports physical, social, emotional, language, cognitive, and aesthetic development.

 CHD 202   Children’s Creative Experiences

3 semester hours
Prerequisite: None

This course focuses on fostering creativity in preschool children and developing a creative attitude in teachers. Topics include selecting and developing creative experiences in language arts, music, art, science, math and movement with observation and participation with young children required. On completion, students will be able to select and implement creative and age-appropriate experiences for young children.

CHD 203   Children’s Literature and Language Development

3 semester hours
Prerequisite: None

This course surveys appropriate literature and language arts activities designed to enhance young children’s speaking, listening, pre-reading and writing skills. Emphasis is placed on developmental appropriateness as related to language. Upon completion, students should be able to create, evaluate and demonstrate activities which support a language-rich environment for young children.

CHD 204   Methods and Materials for Teaching Children

3 semester hours
Prerequisite: None

This course introduces basic methods and materials used in teaching young children. Emphasis is placed on students compiling a professional resource file of activities used for teaching math, language arts, science, and social studies concepts. Upon completion students will be able to demonstrate basic methods of creating learning experiences using developmental appropriate techniques, materials, and realistic expectations. Course includes observations of young children in a variety of childcare environments.

CHD 205   Program Planning for Educating Young Children

3 semester hours
Prerequisite: None

This course provides students with knowledge to develop programs for early child development. Specific content includes a review of child development concepts and program contents. Upon completion students will be able to develop and evaluate effective programs for the education of young children.

CHD 206   Children’s Health and Safety

3 semester hours
Prerequisite: Current First Aid Certificate

This course introduces basic health, nutrition and safety management practices for young children. Emphasis is placed on setting up and maintaining a safe, healthy environment for young children including specific procedures for infants and toddlers and procedures regarding childhood illnesses and communicable diseases.

CHD 208   Administration of Child Development Programs

3 semester hours
Prerequisite: None

This course includes appropriate administrative policies and procedures relevant to preschool programs. Topics include local, state and federal regulations, budget planning, record keeping, personnel policies and parent involvement. On completion, students should be able to identify elements of a sound business plan, develop familiarity with basic record-keeping techniques, and identify elements of a developmentally appropriate program.

CHD 209   Infant and Toddler Education Programs

3 semester hours
Prerequisite: None

This course focuses on child development from infancy through thirty-five months of age with emphasis on planning programs using developmentally appropriate material. Emphasis is placed on positive ways to support an infant’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Upon completion, students should be able to plan an infant-toddler program and environment, that is appropriate and supportive of the families and the children.

CHD 210   Educating Exceptional Children

3 semester hours
Prerequisite: None

This course explores the many different types of exceptionalities found in young children. Topics include speech, language, hearing and visual impairments; gifted and talented children; mental retardation; emotional, behavioral, and neurological handicaps. Upon completion, students should be able to identify appropriate strategies for working with children.

CHD 214   Families and Communities in Early Care and Education Programs

3 semester hours
Prerequisite: None

This course provides students with information about working with diverse families and communities. Students will be introduced to family and community settings, the important relationships with children, and the pressing needs of today’s society. Students will study techniques for developing these important relationships and effective communication skills.

CHD 215   Supervised Practical Experience in Child Development

3 semester hours     (Int 15 hrs)
Prerequisite: Permission of Program Coordinator, meet DHR standards

This course provides a minimum of 135 hours of hands-on, supervised experience in an approved program for young children. Students will develop a portfolio documenting experiences gained during this course.

CHD 219   Supervised Practical Experience

2 semester hours       (Int 10 hrs)
Prerequisite: Permission of Program Coordinator, meet DHR standards

This course provides hands-on, supervised experience in an approved program for young children. Emphasis is placed on performance of daily duties which are assessed by the college instructor and the cooperating teacher. Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate competency in a child care setting.

CHD 230   Introduction to Afterschool Programs

3 semester hours
Prerequisite: None

This course will introduce and discuss the unique aspects of quality afterschool programs and the roles of the adult staff. Topics will include a brief view of child development, positive guidance techniques, administrative consideration, beginning program planning and adaptations for a variety of program settings. Upon completion, students should be able to understand the staff’s role, create and modify unique program settings, use positive guidance, and implement a quality program.

CHD 231   Afterschool Programming

3 semester hours
Prerequisite: None

This course focuses on the specialized variety of needs for a quality afterschool program. Topics will include program planning and material considerations for a variety of quiet/active, indoor/outdoor activities, health/safety/nutrition needs, parent and community information and involvement. Upon completion, students should be able to select a variety of age-appropriate activities, implement a safe, healthy, quality program, and effectively communicate with parents and the community.