Human Development

Dean: Traci Fahimi
Academic Chair: Donna King
Faculty: Donna King

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 on behalf of children.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the human development program, students will be able to

Apply an understanding of the characteristics and needs of children from birth to age 12, along with the multiple influences on early development and learning, to create a healthful, respectful, challenging, and supportive environment for each child.
Understand and value the importance of children’s diverse families and communities and uses this knowledge to support and engage families and communities in young children’s development by creating respectful and reciprocal relationships.
Understand and utilize observation, documentation and assessment tools in partnership with families in order to set goals, plan curriculum, and positively influence the development of every child.
Apply teaching practices that support positive relationships, interactions and reflective practices as the foundation of their work with children and uses a broad repertoire of developmentally appropriate teaching approaches, including guidance strategies that support all children’s learning.
Apply content knowledge and resources in areas such as language and literacy, science and math, visual and performing arts, music and movement, sports and games, health and safety and social studies to design developmentally appropriate curriculum and environments for each child.
Apply ethical standards and professional behaviors, including engaging in continuous learning to inform practice and advocating for young children and the profession, in order to deepen the commitment to the Early Care and Education profession.

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
Professor of Human Development

Programs

Associate in Science

Associate in Arts for Transfer

Elementary Teacher Education for Transfer, AA-T

Associate in Science for Transfer

Early Childhood Education for Transfer, AS-T

Certificate of Achievement

Certificate of Proficiency

Catalog and Student Handbook

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