Child Development

Child Development is a college preparatory course with 'G' credit elective approval through the UC 'A-G' system. It is included in the Career Technical Education (CTE) Department and is therefore designed for students who are interested in a career in Early Childhood and for students who wish to learn how children grow and develop for practical life experience. This course is also part of the OHS Mental Health Pathway with example pathways listed below.

A major portion of the Child Development curriculum is working directly with young children in the OHS on-campus preschool, Tiny Vikes. The preschool is open three days a week for a 10 week session each semester and students are trained to work as assistant preschool teachers. Emphasis is on planning and implementing activities, writing lesson plans, observation and analysis, and learning how to positively guide and teach young children.

Students also study the cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development of children from birth through age 12 as it relates to their care and guidance. The textbook used for Child Development is Working with Young Children by Judy Herr. Additionally, students participate in the parenting simulation project, RealCare Baby from Realityworks, by caring for a computerized baby for four days and three nights during the semester. Students sign-up for a convenient time that best fits their schedules so they may have the appropriate amount of time to spend caring for the baby.

This course is a resume builder as students finish the semester with over 50 hours of practical early childhood work experience. Students complete a teaching portfolio with a resume, references, and work samples.