2017-2018 Catalog: December 2017 Edition [ARCHIVED]
Human Development
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Dean: Traci Fahimi
Academic Chair: Donna King
Faculty: Donna King, Mary McDonough
Courses
Courses in the human development program focus primarily on the development of the child from infancy through school age and explore programs and activities designed to promote children’s overall growth and well-being. Students learn, both in theory and through direct observation, ways of meeting the emotional, physical, social, and cognitive needs of the young child. Courses in the program are relevant for those seeking training for employment in childcare facilities, as well as for parents and potential parents, recreation leaders, and elementary school teachers.
Major
Students majoring in child development build a strong theoretical and practical background working with preschool-age children and their families. The program prepares students for immediate employment working as teachers or aides in childcare or other early childhood care-giving environments and provides a foundation of understanding and skills for those interested in careers providing services to children and families. Ample employment opportunities exist and salaries are increasing. Students may also prepare to transfer to four-year schools to pursue advanced degrees in child development with the eventual goal of becoming preschool directors, elementary school teachers, resource specialists, or consultants, or finding employment in related human service fields working with or in behalf of children.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the human development program, students will be able to
- Know and understand young children’s characteristics and needs.
- Use developmental knowledge to create healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging learning environments.
- Know and understand the multiple influences on development and learning.
- Know about and understand family and community characteristics.
- Support and engage families and communities through respectful, reciprocal relationships.
- Involve families and communities in their children’s development and learning.
- Understand the goals, benefits, and uses of assessment.
- Know about and use observation, documentation, and other appropriate assessment tools and approaches.
- Understand and practice responsible assessment to promote positive outcomes for each child.
- Know about assessment partnerships with families and with professional colleagues.
- Understand positive relationships and supportive interactions as the foundation of their work with children.
- Know and understand effective strategies and tools for early education.
- Use a broad repertoire of developmentally appropriate teaching/learning approaches.
- Reflect on their own practice to promote positive outcomes or each child.
Potential Careers
Examples of careers in child development include the following:
With an associate degree or certificate of achievement-
- Associate Teacher in Early Childhood Education
- Master Teacher in Early Childhood Education
- Teacher in Early Childhood Education
With a bachelor’s or advanced degree-
- Consultant to Early Childhood Education Programs
- Parent Educator
- Site Supervisor/Director in Early Childhood Education
- Teen Parent Educator
- Workshop Facilitator
ProgramsAssociate in ScienceAssociate in Arts for TransferAssociate in Science for TransferCertificate of AchievementCertificate of Proficiency
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