I believe that the study of the development of infants and toddlers, of how they learn through their relationships and through exploration, is of paramount importance. The profession of caring for them has, up to this point in history, never been adequately compensated or respected. This is changing, and I am excited to be a part of this change. In this course you will learn how children "zero to three" grow and change in response to their environment, and how we as caregivers and educators can make that environment either catch-as-catch-can, or intentionally excellent. What you learn in this course will benefit you by

• Giving you the knowledge you will need to care for infants and toddlers, knowing the most important research on development.
• Giving you credibility in the field of childcare, with both parents and possible employers.
• Affirming what you already know, if you have been in the field for a while, but also expanding your view of current issues in childcare.
• Giving you the confidence you need to not only care for, play with, and enjoy these youngest ones, but to dialogue with parents and other professionals about them and their care.

NOTE: This course requires completing assignments on a fixed weekly schedule, with some mid-week deadlines. Requires online collaboration in group assignments.  Registration closes January 18.

Course Prerequisites

The following is required for entry into this course:

• Functional literacy in the English language
• Reading at the 12th grade level. 

Course Objectives

If you complete this course and do well, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of developmental stages of infants and toddlers growth 
2. Plan, implement and evaluate developmental programs for infants and toddlers including meeting basic needs and stimulating development
3. Demonstrate competence in observing, supporting and providing for development in infants and toddlers 
4. Provide for a parent education component as part of an infant/toddler program 

Your course grade will be determined by points awarded for each assignment according to the following points:

Your final grade will be based on the following scale. Please note that you must also complete and receive a 70% or better on all required observations and the Work Sample Presentation in order to pass the course, regardless of your scores on the other assignments.

There are 2 exams in this course.

I am here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact me when they do:

E-mail : gmultop@nvcc.edu
Telephone : 571-276-9679
No office. I teach face-to-face classes at the Loudoun campus and could arrange meetings there when necessary

Last Updated: December 10, 2009