SS 245 - Infant & Toddler Care

3 Credits

This course is designed to link the theoretical base of infant development to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of home based and group settings for infants and toddlers. It examines responsive caregiving practices, early learning environments, and development of this age group.

Rationale:

This is a required course for Early Childhood Education Certificate students. Students learn how to provide responsive caregiving and support development of infants and toddlers. Educators must be knowledgeable in planning, implementing, and evaluating home based and group setting programs for infants and toddlers. This course provides an opportunity to learn how to build relationships with children and families and establish supportive routines in early learning settings.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None

Course Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to

1. observe an infant or toddler to explain appropriate goals and principles for infant and toddler programs.
2. create a philosophy as an educator of infants and toddlers.
3. describe how routine care activities are essential curriculum components for infant and toddler programming.
4. develop and present appropriate environments for group care of infants and toddlers.
5. discuss the significance of supporting the infant and toddler’s well-being.
6. plan and implement developmentally appropriate experiences for infants and toddlers.
7. discuss the importance of working with the families of infants and toddlers in early learning settings.
8. value diversity in infants and toddlers and their families.
9. review tools to assess the quality of infant and toddler programs.

Beloglovsky, M., & Daly, L. (2016). Loose parts 2: Inspiring play with infants and toddlers. Redleaf Press.

Optional Resource Materials:

Pimento, B., & Kernested, D. (2019). Healthy foundations in early childhood settings. (6th ed.). Nelson.

Kovach, B., & Da Ros-Voseles, D. (2008). Being with babies: understanding and responding to the infants in your care. Gryphon House, Inc.

Petersen, S. H., & Wittmer, D. S. (2013). Endless opportunities for infant toddler curriculum: a relationship-based approach (2nd ed.). Pearson Education.

Conduct of Course:

This course is offered on D2L and in the classroom. Lectures, readings, demonstrations, and discussions are utilized to develop background knowledge in group care for infants and toddlers. It includes a variety of material to introduce, illustrate, and reinforce concepts. Assignments have been developed to enhance the student’s skill in observing children, planning, and implementing programs for infants and toddlers. Completing assignments with children is required.

Students are responsible to attend classes at the scheduled time if on campus. As this course is also taught in an online format, attendance is demonstrated by keeping up with readings and assignments, participation in dialogue on the discussion board and completing course work and assignments to the satisfaction of the instructor.

In cases where illness impedes participation, the student may be requested to submit a medical certificate.

Content of Course:

1. Valuing Infants and Toddlers
2. Creating the Relationship
3. Routines for Infant and Toddlers
4. Providing Opportunities for Learning and Growing
5. Guiding Infant and Toddler Well-Being
6. Creating the Safe and Caring Environment
7. Engaging with Families

The grading system is based on the number of points received for each assignment. The students complete all assignments. A possible 100 points can be obtained by completing assignments in this course.