A foundation course in theory and principles of the developmental continuum, including an in-depth study of physical, social/emotional, cognitive, language, and aesthetic development; an examination of current research and major developmental theories;
An exploration of child development within a socio-cultural context, such as gender, family, race, ethnicity, language, ability, socio-economics, religion, and society; an emphasis on the implications for early childhood professional practice.
Courses seeking ECE 912 descriptor approval must be focused on conception and pre-natal through age 8 and may include some information on pre-adolescence/adolescents. Lifespan courses do not meet the requirements of this course.
Course Goals & Objectives:
1. Understanding of the interrelationship between children's holistic well-being (including health, nutrition, safety and environment) and their development;
2. Knowledge and understanding of the developmental domains, including physical/social/ emotional/cognitive/language/ aesthetic, the interrelationships among them, and the factors that contribute to variations in development;
3. Comprehension of stages and variations across the developmental domains, including prenatal;
4. Application of early care and education practices based on knowledge and understanding of theories and integration of research of typical and atypical growth, development, behavior and learning;
5. Recognition of consequences of stress, trauma, protective factors, and resilience in children's overall development;
6. Understanding of child development within a socio-cultural context, such as gender, family, race, ethnicity, language, ability, socio-economics, religion, and society.
Illinois Gateways Competencies Fulfilled in this course:
1 Identifies and describes theories of typical and atypical growth in all developmental domains and the interaction between individual and contextual factors on development and learning.
2 Describes the interrelationship between developmental domains, holistic well-being, and adaptive/living skills.
3 Defines how cultural, familial, biological, and environmental influences, including stress, trauma, protective factors, and resilience, impact children’s well-being, and learning.
https://www.ilgateways.com/docman-docs/professional-development/higher-education-programs/entitlement/1280-ece-competency-framework/file
****REVISED: 03/06/2034 – Illinois Gateways Competencies added to the description. NAEYC competencies may be added later. Effective Fall 2024.****
~Previous Revisions:Course reactivated for Spring 2015 submissions; Descriptor revised Fall 2015.Minor Revision Spring 2015, additional small clarification added in Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 – Effective Fall 2021.