This online course explains all aspects of a developmentally appropriate infant-toddler program and leads the participant through the processes of planning and implementing every aspect of caring for and teaching infants, toddlers, and twos. The course is divided into nine weeks. Topics include Child Development; Observation, Documentation and Assessment; Culture and Families; Creating Parent Partnerships; Physical Development and Nutrition; Language and Literacy; Social/Emotional Development; Cognitive Development, and Infant Toddler Mental Health. Assignments consist of information from the Massachusetts Early Learning Guidelines for Infants and Toddlers and relevant articles that are followed up with activities to move theory into practice.
- 9 week fully online course
- No textbook required
- Self-guided with course Instructor engagement throughout
- 4.5 CEUS
* Category of Study 7: Infant and Toddler Development, Care, and Program Planning
This course will examine the developing child in a societal context, focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community and emphasizing historical and socio-cultural factors. Students will gain an understanding of their professional role in supporting practices that strengthen respectful, collaborative family/child partnerships, and how to use protective factors through effective use of community and family resources. The processes of socialization and identity development will be highlighted, showing the importance of respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families.
- 8 week fully online course
- Two scheduled live meetings which are recorded
- Can be used toward Teacher and Lead Teacher Requirement
*Category of Study 1: Child Growth and Development, Birth – Eight Years
This course is designed to acquaint students with practical matters involved in establishing and maintaining an Early Childhood facility. It includes topics such as determining the need for and structure of an early childhood facility, legal requirements for childcare centers and staff, child selection and grouping, staff recruitment, development, evaluation, funding, and budget management.
- Textbook required
- Can be used toward Director I & II certification
* Category of Study 13: Child Care Administration
This course includes an overview of special needs children and their families. Emphasis is on prevalence of disorders, treatment modalities, community resources serving exceptional children, the teacher’s role in mainstreaming and early identification, and federal legislation affecting exceptional children. Focus will be on inclusion in classroom settings.
- Can be used toward lead teachers and Director(s) certification
* Category of Study 6: Children with Special Needs, Birth–Sixteen Years