This course provides an in-depth exploration of the foundational aspects of child growth and development, with a specific focus on social development. It covers key theories, milestones, and factors influencing social development in children from infancy through adolescence. Students will be engaged in scenarios and observations of children in order to apply what they have learned.  General concepts of emotional development, self and social understanding, and other personality and social development topics are also covered, including contexts within the family, peers, media, and schooling.

Upon completion of this course, learners will have a comprehensive understanding of the foundational principles of child growth and development, particularly in the realm of social development. They will be able to apply this knowledge to support healthy social development in children.

• History, Theory, and Applied Directions
• Research Strategies
• Biological Foundations
• Infancy
• Physical Growth
• Emotional Development
• Self and Social Development
• Moral Development

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Describe the core reasons for observing children and the principles of observation
• Identify the lenses one uses for observing children with objectivity, including personality/temperamental style, cultural, anti-bias, culturally situated, social system, gender and sexuality
• Practice the use of various protocols for observation
  • Narratives: running records, anecdotal records, diary records, and specimen records
  • Samplings: event sampling, sampling play, time sampling
  • Checklists: types and features
  • Charts, scales, and pictorial representations.
• Observe the child’s development process: physical development, emotional development, personality, social interactions, and moral understanding
• From observation techniques and processes, authentic assessment, and ongoing evaluation to develop a portfolio (child study) of a young person you are familiar with.

• Lecture/presentation
• Discussion
• Individual assignments
• Slide presentations, videos, and visual representations
• Facilitated group work
• Facilitated observations and recording activities
• Supervision of hands-on creation and conducting of learning centre activities

To apply reach out to admissions@plvan.com