This course explores the role of the early childhood educator in supporting emotional and social development of children, and in fostering a sense of community. Presents practical strategies for encouraging prosocial behavior, conflict resolution and problem solving. Emphasizes basic skills and techniques in child guidance. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Entry Level Competencies: Students should have functional literacy in the English language; reading at the 12th grade level.

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

1. Describe the developmental characteristics of the whole child: physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and language.
2. Design and implement observation and planning strategies for supporting children’s social development.
3. Identify the differing needs of children in their various developmental stages as related to behavior.
4. Demonstrate strategies that promote prosocial development in children.
5. Analyze the impact of individual, family, and community influences in guiding children’s behavior.
6. Identify and implement strategies for recognizing and mitigating the manifestations of stress in children.
7. Select strategies to assist and support parents of children with exceptional needs.
8. Identify the characteristics of abused children and abusive adults.
9. Identify and apply learning standards as they relate to child guidance and early childhood education: the Virginia Foundation Blocks, the Child Development Milestones, and Core Competencies for Early Childhood Professionals.

Possible Assignments Include: (Subject to change each semester. The actual assignments are available in the Syllabus in the Blackboard course site on the first day of classes.)

Your final grade may be based on the following scale. Please note that you must also pass at least several exams in order to pass the course, regardless of your scores on the other assignments.

There are 2 exams in this course.

Last Updated: September 13, 2011