HDF 249 Introduction to Working and Living with Infants and Toddlers

Lecture Hours: 3
Credits: 3

Focuses on understanding, facilitating, and respecting the brain development of infants and toddlers. Prepares individuals to work with infants and toddlers in a variety of settings. Provides opportunities for discussion, demonstration, and practice in the areas of environmental and material planning, and interaction, curriculum, and observation skills development.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 090; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Apply current theories, research, and neuroscience discoveries regarding infants and toddlers.
Demonstrate an understanding of specific curriculum, interactions, and environments.
Discuss and practice guidance and observational skills.
Demonstrate an understanding of the difference between active and passive learning and how all areas of development are interrelated.
Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of stress, trauma, abuse, and neglect on the healthy social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of infants and toddlers.
Incorporate standards, policies, and procedures necessary to meet state health and sanitation regulations.

National Accreditation Standards

Standards met with this course include (National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Standard 1. Promoting Child Development and Learning
Standard 2. Building Family and Community Relationships
Standard 3. Observing, Documenting, and Assessing to Support Young Children and Families
Standard 4. Using Developmentally Effective Approaches
Standard 6. Becoming a Professional

Content Outline

Philosophy and Concepts
- Respectful and responsive caregiving
- Development of attachment and trust
- Goals of working with infants, toddlers, and families
Motor Development
- Reflexes
- Gross motor development
Infant and Toddler Routines and Environments
Typical and Atypical Development of Toddlers
- Equipment and materials
- Developmentally appropriate curriculum for toddlers
- Issues and parental concerns
Promoting Development and Inclusion
- Early intervention
- Culturally responsive care
Special Issues
- Drug and Alcohol-Affected Infants and Toddlers
- Trauma