This course provides in-depth study of the development of children's language and communication skills from birth through age eight. Students identify the various developmental levels exhibited by children, and choose and create diverse materials to enhance language and literacy development. The course focuses on analyzing and creating language-rich programs designed to foster listening, oral and written language, and pre-reading and reading skills at the appropriate developmental level. Students formulate developmentally appropriate questions and responses to enrich the child's experience. The course addresses how everyday experiences can present opportunities for creating meaningful communication between children, their peers, and adults.

The course focuses on the cognitive development of children birth to age eight with emphasis upon the development and interrelatedness of math and science concepts. Using a hands-on approach, students explore the various materials used in learning centers to stimulate and develop children's logico-mathematical thinking. Students identify the various developmental levels of children's thinking and create developmentally appropriate materials and settings. The course emphasizes the application of developmental principles to investigate and devise experiences which employ mathematical reasoning and scientific processes.

This course focuses on promoting the optimal development of young children with special needs in an inclusionary early childhood setting. Building on a foundation of child development and the components of high-quality early childhood programs, students investigate specific physical, emotional, and psychological conditions which delay or modify the course of a child's healthy development. Students observe children with special needs in order to design adaptations in the curriculum and environment. Students develop strategies for collaborating with families and community services providers, based on a knowledge of legislative mandates regarding special education.

This course provides an overview of children's social and emotional development and an exploration of factors that influence behavior. Topics include the impact of differing development, external factors, relationships, and stress and trauma on child development. Participants will analyze children's behavior in a variety of situations and reflect on how children respond to stimuli. The role of adults in affecting positive development will be explored. Evidence based strategies and techniques for guiding positive behavior will be applied.