Online Class: Early Childhood Development

Delve into the fascinating journey of child development, from prenatal growth to teenage years, and learn how early experiences impact lifelong well-being. By understanding these critical phases, you'll gain tools to enhance children's environments and foster healthy development in both personal and professional settings.

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  • 9
    Lessons
  • 16
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 4,909
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 8
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.8
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Imagine the awe of witnessing a child take their first steps, the joy of hearing their first word, or the moment they start recognizing faces and making connections with the world around them. These seemingly simple moments are actually profound milestones in the complex, wondrous process of child development. This intricate journey, which begins long before birth and continues into adulthood, is a fascinating blend of biological, psychological, and social transformations that shape who we are and how we interact with the world.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a child's mind and body as they grow, this course on child development is designed for you. Whether you’re a parent, educator, healthcare professional, or simply someone who interacts with children, this course offers invaluable insights into the remarkable process of human development. Exploring the Wonders of Child Development doesn’t just give you knowledge—it equips you with the tools to truly impact the lives of children for the better, to understand them at their core, and to support their growth in meaningful ways.

The Transformative Power of Understanding Child Development

The journey from conception to adulthood is a marvel of nature, and each phase of development is critical to shaping the future. Did you know that the experiences and environment a child is exposed to in their earliest years can have lifelong impacts on their personality, intellectual abilities, and social behaviors? That’s why understanding child development is essential for everyone, not just for professionals who work with children.

This course offers a deep dive into every stage of development, from the prenatal phase to adolescence. You’ll explore how children grow physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially, learning about the milestones they reach along the way. And it’s not just about recognizing those milestones—it’s about understanding what influences them and what they mean for a child’s overall well-being.

Why Should You Care About Child Development?

You might be asking, “Why is this course important to me?” The answer is simple: children are the foundation of our future. When we understand how children develop, we can shape environments, whether at home, school, or in society, that foster healthy growth. This understanding is crucial for parents who want to give their children the best start in life. It’s vital for educators who aim to support each student’s unique learning journey. It’s indispensable for healthcare professionals seeking to promote wellness in their young patients. Even policymakers can benefit from this knowledge, as it helps create informed strategies that promote the well-being of future generations.

When you take this course, you’re not just gaining knowledge—you’re gaining a deeper understanding of how to make a real difference in the lives of children. You’ll learn how developmental disabilities can be identified early and how to support children who face such challenges. You’ll discover how to nurture emotional resilience and social skills, and how language and literacy form the bedrock of intellectual growth. And most importantly, you’ll be able to apply these insights in real-life situations, whether in your home, classroom, or community.

What’s Inside the Course?

This comprehensive course brings together knowledge from multiple disciplines—psychology, sociology, education, and medicine—to provide a well-rounded view of child development. Starting with prenatal development, you’ll explore how a child grows in the womb, and how maternal health and external factors influence this early stage. Then, you’ll move on to infant and toddler development, learning about the rapid physical changes, emotional bonding, and cognitive leaps that take place in those formative first years.

As children grow, so do their bodies and minds. You’ll study physical development, from their first steps to the teenage growth spurts, and cognitive development, delving into how children learn, reason, and problem-solve. Emotional and social development is another key area, where you’ll explore how children form relationships, develop self-esteem, and begin to understand their own emotions and those of others.

And, of course, you’ll examine developmental milestones—the critical indicators that a child is growing as expected. From language acquisition to social interactions, each milestone gives us a window into how well a child is adapting to their world. The course doesn’t shy away from the challenges, either. You’ll learn about developmental disabilities and how early intervention can make a world of difference for children who may struggle with learning, physical, or emotional challenges.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is for anyone who cares about children and wants to support their development in a positive way. Are you a parent who wants to better understand the unique needs of your child at every stage? Perhaps you’re an educator who interacts with children daily and wants to provide a more supportive, enriching environment. Or maybe you’re a healthcare professional who wants to understand the developmental milestones that indicate a child’s health and well-being. This course offers you the tools to understand and engage with children on a deeper level.

Even if you’re just a curious learner interested in human development, this course will open your eyes to the intricate and beautiful process that every child goes through as they grow. You’ll leave the course with a strong foundation in child development, armed with practical knowledge and a newfound appreciation for the complexity of human growth.

In the end, understanding child development isn’t just about knowing how children grow—it’s about shaping the future. The children of today are the leaders, innovators, and caretakers of tomorrow. By understanding their developmental needs and nurturing them in a way that supports their growth, we’re investing in a brighter, healthier future for all.

So, take this journey with us. Dive into the wonders of child development and discover how you can play a crucial role in shaping the lives of the next generation. Join us in this course, and unlock the knowledge that has the power to change not only the lives of children but the world as a whole.

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.58 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(2,827 votes)

Lesson 1. Child Development Essentials

11 Points
Child development explores the vast transformations from birth to adulthood, emphasizing the foundational first five years crucial for brain development and lifelong learning. This knowledge aids caregivers and professionals in crafting supportive environments and policies that enhance children's growth and societal contributions.
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2. Stages of Growth Before Birth

19 Points
From the wondrous journey of a single cell to a fully formed human, prenatal development is a critical and complex process vital for lifelong well-being. Understanding the stages and factors involved equips us with valuable insights to promote health and prevent complications. Additional lesson topics: Stages of Prenatal Development; Problems With Prenatal Development
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3. Unveiling the Intricacies of Infant Growth in the First Year

20 Points
Language development begins at birth with infants recognizing voices and progresses to babbling and simple word formation as the year advances. Caregivers can enhance language skills by regularly engaging in speaking, singing, and reading activities with their babies. Additional lesson topics: Infant development: Birth to Several months; How Your Newborn Grows: Infant Development
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4. From Infancy to Independence: The Path of Physical Growth

9 Points
Early childhood physical development encompasses rapid body growth, essential motor skills acquisition, and sensory improvements crucial for cognitive and environmental interactions. Understanding growth patterns helps create supportive environments, optimizing children's health and overall well-being.
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5. Cognition: From Infancy to Insights

20 Points
Theories by Piaget focus on distinct cognitive stages in children, while Vygotsky emphasizes sociocultural influences and interactive learning. Understanding cognitive processes such as attention and memory helps in supporting a child's learning journey. Additional lesson topics: Cognitive Developmental Milestones; Understanding your baby's cognitive development
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6. From Cradle to Playground: The Emotional-Social Journey

10 Points
The intricate dance of socio-emotional development facilitates a child's journey to communicate needs and forge connections with caregivers and peers. Healthy attachment and emotional regulation underlined in early years pave the way for navigating life's social complexities with skill and empathy. Additional lesson topics: Social and Emotional Development in Early Childhood; Understanding Social and Emotional Development in Preschoolers
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7. Unlocking Communication: Early Childhood Language and Literacy Insights

14 Points
Language is an innate system of symbols comprising gestures, sounds, and words, the foundation of communication, while literacy extends these through reading and writing. Bilingual environments provide children with significant cognitive and cultural advantages, enhancing flexible thinking and problem-solving. Additional lesson topics: The Role of Early Oral Language in Literacy Development; How important is it?
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8. Milestone Map: Navigating Early Childhood Development

20 Points
Cognitive development in early childhood is characterized by increasing problem-solving skills, memory, and understanding of the world, evolving from simple object recognition to complex reasoning and imagination by preschool age. This growth prepares children for critical thinking and more sophisticated experiences. Additional lesson topics: American Academy of Pediatrics Ages and Stages Information
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9. Navigating the Challenges of Developmental Disabilities

53 Points
Cerebral palsy varies in its impact on mobility and posture, stemming from early brain damage, and requires therapies and assistive devices to enhance independence. Customized care and sometimes surgical interventions enable children with CP to live fulfilling lives by improving their physical capabilities.
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Lesson discussions: How would you rate this course?; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments; Course Comments
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
176
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Describe brain development in early childhood.
  • Describe the developmental connections made in early childhood.
  • Describe development in infants.
  • Describe developments in early language and literacy.
  • Describe ways to communicate with your baby.
  • Summarize cognitive development from infant to early childhood.
  • Describe the emotional and social development of children.
  • Summarize the effects of maltreatment on early brain development.
  • Describe developmental issues of premature infants.
  • Recognize and describe developmental disabilities in children.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Early Childhood Development
Course Number: 8900269
Lessons Rating: 4.58 / 5 Stars (2,827 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is accessible online throughout all states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. It's also available in top English-speaking countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Last Updated: April 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.8 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "The course gave me light into many areas of early childhood development which was quite unknown for me. This was a very informative course.The learning materials were really good." -- Aswathy G.
  • "It was an exceptionally helpful course because I have witnessed and endured my own form of mental/ emotional disabilities. I am fortunate to be a part of the informative courses that make me a better person and teacher." -- Chante B.
  • "Instructor is knowledgeable and puts her students first, all the email correspondence was answered and timely. Thank you." -- Leela G.
  • "The course was easy to access and the lessons were organized and easy to follow." -- Deanna T.
  • "The instructor was very nice she put nice comments about my work." -- Jessica F.
  • "Wonderful course thank you so much for taking the time to do all this." -- Michael B.
  • "I enjoyed taking this course. I did learn alot." -- Renee H.
  • "The instructor was very supportive." -- Cindy N.
  • "I think in general it was great!" -- Luz G.
  • "Wonderful course and instructor." -- Marta C.
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