This course focuses on child development birth through adolescence with emphasis on preschool development. Theories of development, the role of caregivers, family, health, safety and contemporary issues will be introduced. Students will explore special challenges to growth and development and will have opportunities for guided observation of children in a variety of settings. Students will begin to compile artifacts and written competency statements that are aligned with the required Child Development Associate portfolio guidelines for preschool. Students will explore career pathways in Early Childhood Education and Child Care.

This course focuses on learning environments for preschool care. Students will explore the relationship of health, nutrition and safety to learning. Students will establish strategies to support a safe, healthy learning environment that provides appropriate mealtime experience and promotes good nutrition for preschool care while meeting best practice and regulated requirements for quality learning environments. Students will continue to explore physical and cognitive development and competencies for preschool care. The preschool classroom environment will support social and emotional development and provide opportunities for positive guidance. Students will continue to develop components of a professional Child Development Associate Preschool portfolio.

This course focuses on establishing positive, responsive, and cooperative relationships with families. Students will explore the local social service, health and education resources of the community and be able to recommend home activities to support preschool development.

Students will observe, document and assess preschool early childhood development using multiple sources of evidence to set goals and develop lesson plans accordingly. Students will become familiar with local child- care regulations and adhere to professional mandated reporting requirements related to abuse and neglect. Students will continue to develop components of a professional CDA preschool portfolio.

The internship is the culminating course for the Preschoolers pathway in the Child Development Associate (CDA) Program of Study. This course provides opportunities for students to link course content to theory in early childhood education as well as apply knowledge in a classroom setting. Students will complete the CDA Preschool professional portfolio and prepare for the CDA certification exam and site visit.