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Course Syllabus

HFST 2500 Early Childhood Development

  • Division: Social and Behavioral Science
  • Department: Education and Family Studies
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
  • Prerequisites: HFST 1500 - Human Development or Instructor Approval
  • Semesters Offered: Spring
  • Semester Approved: Spring 2023
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2028
  • End Semester: Fall 2028
  • Optimum Class Size: 25
  • Maximum Class Size: 36

Course 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.

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

  1. Students must demonstrate understanding of major theories in the field of child development.
  2. 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.
  3. Students enrolled in this class must demonstrate knowledge of cognitive, social, and biological development in early childhood.
  4. Students will demonstrate general knowledge of child development principles.

Course 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 various methods of instruction and material be used to cultivate their learning and growth. Representation of culture and other 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