COURSE DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this course is to develop an understanding of why children behave the way they do, and to discover the latent knowledge, skills, and dispositions which influence children’s expression. The course further explores a comprehensive understanding of various theories in child behavior and development. It therefore provides practitioners the necessary tools to recognize, evaluate, positively influence and redirect children’s behaviours when required. The relationship between the individual and environment will be stressed, with important considerations to ecological influences that play a role in children’s development such as families, communities, schools, and culture. Students will also apply critical thinking skills to current issues related to infant and child development through class discussion, readings, and raising their own child online (myvirtualchild.com).