Students are exposed to theory and hands on experience regarding the development of the child from middle childhood through adolescence. This course examines the major physical, psychosocial, and cognitive/language developmental milestones for children, both typical and atypical. While studying developmental theory and investigative research methodologies, students will observe children, evaluate individual differences and analyze characteristics of development at various stages. This class covers how children develop their social identities in diverse communities and what this means for their growth and learning. We will look at how this affects young children, families, and schools. The course will focus on practical ways to teach and support children from different backgrounds, using methods that are fair and inclusive. By understanding these concepts, you will learn how to create environments where all children feel confident, valued, and part of a diverse society. This course supports students who work or desire to work with school-age children in a variety of after-school, recreation and summer day camps.
Students who take the honors course can also earn college credit. Foothill's CHLD 2 (4 units, UC/CSU transferable) and CHLD 51A (4 units, CSU transferable). This course runs at Paly during the normal school day. Students will travel to Duveneck elementary school approximately twice per week to work directly with young children.
Course Goals and/or Major Student Outcomes
This course is open to all sophomores, juniors and seniors.
Prerequisites: None (but ECD or Psychology/AP Psychology strongly encouraged)
UC Approved
Satisfies CTE Paly graduation requirement.
If taking Honors-
Weighted Grade
8 Units of College Credit
Course Code- 5920 or 5921 for Honors
Students who take the honors course can also earn college credit. Foothill's CHLD 2 (4 units, UC/CSU transferable) and CHLD 51A (4 units, CSU transferable). This course runs at Paly during the normal school day. Students will travel to Duveneck elementary school approximately twice per week to work directly with young children.
Course Goals and/or Major Student Outcomes
- Communicate knowledge and understanding of the theories and principles of child development and curriculum by creating learning opportunities for students that are developmentally appropriate.
- Demonstrate an understanding of observation, assessment, curriculum planning, implementation, documentation cycle and use it to plan, implement, and evaluate activities in a supervised environment.
- Communicate understanding of the role of the teacher, the role of the family and how teachers and families can work together to support healthy development.
- Demonstrate ability to self-reflect and use this knowledge to analyze past experiences and grow as a professional.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how to apply for a California Child Development Assistant Teacher permit.
This course is open to all sophomores, juniors and seniors.
Prerequisites: None (but ECD or Psychology/AP Psychology strongly encouraged)
UC Approved
Satisfies CTE Paly graduation requirement.
If taking Honors-
Weighted Grade
8 Units of College Credit
Course Code- 5920 or 5921 for Honors