Course Overview: This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively care for school-age children in licensed school age programs. It combines child development theories with hands-on activities that foster children's growth, well-being, academic success and . Students will also learn about program design, managing group dynamics, promoting social-emotional development, and ensuring safety in diverse settings.
This course is designed to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. By the end of the semester, students will be equipped with the tools needed to create and manage out-of-school time programs that foster children’s growth, safety, and well-being.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Understand and apply child development principles to design developmentally appropriate out-of-school time programs.
Demonstrate effective communication and behavior management strategies with school-age children.
Plan and implement engaging, educational, and recreational activities that meet the needs of diverse learners.
Promote positive social-emotional development and conflict resolution skills among children.
Ensure a safe and inclusive environment that adheres to best practices in child care and safety.
Assess children’s individual needs and interests to create a responsive program.
Observation Report (20%): Students will observe children in an out-of-school time program and write a report analyzing their behavior, interactions, and engagement with activities.
Reflective Essays (25%): Each student will submit weekly lesson plans for a variety of activities (academic, recreational, and SEL-focused) appropriate for school-age children.
Behavior Management Scenario (15%): Role-play or video submission where students demonstrate effective strategies for managing a challenging behavior.
Group Project – Program Design (30%): In small groups, students will design a comprehensive school age program (including activity schedule, health and safety plans, family communication strategy, and behavior management plan).
Final Exam (10%): Design an age appropriate scaffolded school age daily schedule that can be used for school age children ranging from age 5-12. Include health and safety measures, gross motor, literacy, art, math, science, and social and emotional development.
Textbook: Caring for School-Age Children 6th edition (Click & Parker, 2022)