Infant/Toddler Child Care Specialist Certificate (IC31)  Technical Certificate of Credit

Introduces concepts relating the responsibilities and procedures involved in a variety of early childhood care situations. Topics include historical perspectives; professionalism; guidance; developmentally appropriate practices; learning environment (including all children); cultural diversity; and licensing, accreditation, and credentialing.

Introduces the student to the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of the young child (prenatal through 12 years of age). The course provides for competency development in observing, recording, and interpreting growth and development stages in the young child; advancing physical and intellectual competence; supporting social and emotional development; and examining relationships between child development and positive guidance. Topics include developmental characteristics, prenatal through age 12, developmental guidance applications, observing and recording techniques, ages and stages of development, and introduction to children with special needs.

Introduces the theory, practices, and requirements for establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment. Topics include CPR and first aid, health issues, safety issues, child abuse and neglect, and nutritional needs of children.

Introduces the three developmentally meaningful age periods during infancy. Provides knowledge, grounded in brain and attachment research, about how children learn and the skills and attitudes necessary to support optimum social/emotional, cognitive, and physical development for children from birth to three. Principles of brain development and language and communication will be explored in depth. Special emphasis is placed on experiential learning to show caregivers practical ways of meeting the fundamental needs of all infants in group care settings and of helping them learn the lessons that every infant comes into the world eager to learn. The needs of infants and toddlers with established disabilities as well as those at risk for developmental problems will be examined from the perspective of early intervention and inclusion.

Provides the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to meet the fundamental needs of children from birth to three in group care settings. Establishes a foundation for a responsive, relationship-based curriculum for children birth to three who are in group care settings. Introduces the philosophy behind primary care, continuity of care, and respectful care. Explores ways of creating environments for infant/toddler group care which foster optimum social/emotional, physical and cognitive development, promote cultural sensitivity and encourage positive parent caregiver relations.