Appalachian State University Department of Family and Child Studies FCS 3107: Development in Early Childhood Fall 2015 Instructor: Dr. Cindy McGaha Lecture: TR 9:30-10:45 Office: 013 Lucy Brock (RCOE Annex) Room: RCOE 013 Email: mcgahac@appstate.edu Phone: 262-2632 (Office) or 262-3120 (Secretary) On-line Coursework and Materials: www.asulearn.appstate.edu Office Hours: M 8:30-11:30; TR 11:00-12:00 or by appointment Teaching Philosophy I believe that students learn through discussion and application of classroom content to real world experiences. In this course, students will explore variations in children s development through assigned readings, class discussion and case study analysis. My role is to help you to understand and interpret your experiences and observations using theory and current research in child and family development. Course Description This course will examine the variations in development that occur during early childhood. Students will explore the range of developmental outcomes in young children and how development results from characteristics within children and/or from the environment. A strength-based approach will be taken in exploring strategies for intervention in meeting the needs of young children. Prerequisites: FCS 2101 and FCS 2104 (or permission of the instructor). Required Text and Materials Ensher, G.L., Clark, D.A., & Songer, N.S. (2009). Families, infants, & young children at risk: Pathways to best practice. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Company.
Course Objectives 1. Demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and recognition of theories and principles of human development, growth, and learning as applied to developmental variation in young children. 2. Describe trends and sequences of variations in development in the following domains: sensorimotor, cognitive, language/communication, social, emotional, and physical. 3. Describe environmental conditions and their impact on the development of individuals. 4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of current legislation as it relates to serving the needs of children who are at the far ends of the developmental continuum. 5. Demonstrate application of developmental knowledge of variations in developing intervention strategies. Course Requirements Attendance, Punctuality, and Participation Perfect attendance is expected. I will keep a close record of class attendance. You will be allowed two absences. These absences may be used for religious observances, doctor appointments, illness, etc. Any absences beyond that excused or otherwise, will result in the loss of points. Be aware that failure to attend class sessions or coming to class tardy will result in the loss of points. You are also expected to complete readings and participate in class discussion. Failure to do so will result in the loss of points. Each absence beyond the two allowed absences will result in the following loss of points: 1 st absence: -2 2 nd absence: -4 3 rd absence: -8 Note the progression. Two tardies equal 1 absence. Lack of preparation and participation, as well as inappropriate classroom behavior (i.e. talking when the instructor or other students are speaking, sleeping in class, etc.) are equal to one tardy per incident.
Examinations There will be a total of two examinations for the course. The examinations may consist of multiple choice, true/false, short answer, essay questions, and/or case study applications. The exams will be worth 100 points each. In-Class Assignments and Quizzes Throughout the semester, there will be a variety of in-class assignments and/or quizzes. These assignments may be based on class readings and/or lecture. These assignments will be worth 130 points total. Case Study Analysis Students working in groups will be assigned a case study for analysis. They must be able to identify within child characteristics and environmental factors that are influencing a child s development. They must utilize this information in developing a plan of intervention for the child. There will be a written assignment (Worth 670 total points) to be turned into the instructor. Guidelines for these assignments will be provided. Classroom Policies Academic Integrity As a community of learners at Appalachian State University, we must create an atmosphere of honesty, fairness, and responsibility, without which we cannot earn the trust and respect of each other. Furthermore, we recognize that academic dishonesty detracts from the value of an Appalachian degree. Therefore, we shall not tolerate lying, cheating, or stealing in any form and will oppose any instance of academic dishonesty. This course will follow the provisions of the Academic Integrity Code, which can be found on the Office of Student Conduct Web Site: www.studentconduct.appstate.edu. Cell Phones/PDAs/Beepers Electronic devices should be turned to VIBRATE during class. In an emergency situation, with instructor permission, the student will leave the room before talking on the phone. No text messaging in class. The only electronic device that may be used is a computer/i-pad, which should be used for recording information shared in class and not outside work. Use of the computer/i-pad for outside work, i.e. other class assignments, checking email, shopping, etc. may result in the loss of computer access for ALL students in the class.
Classroom Decorum Everyone is expected to be respectful of other students, other opinions, other cultures, and children at all times. Diversity of all areas will be honored in class and in course assignments. Students are also expected to be attentive and prepared in class. They are expected to arrive on time. Sleeping in class is not permitted and will result in loss of points. Also, students who work on outside assignments for this or other courses will lose points. Inclement Weather Please refer to the ASU website for class cancellations. If classes are not cancelled, the instructor will make every effort to be present for class. If there are class cancellations, the instructor will send an email to the class via their ASU email accounts at least two hours before class. Instructor/Student Contact Students can contact the instructor during posted office hours or via phone message or via email message. If the instructor needs to contact students, contact will be made via your ASU email accounts. Disabilities Appalachian State University is committed to making reasonable accommodations for individuals with documented qualifying disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If you have a disability and may need reasonable accommodations in order to have equal access to the University s courses, programs and activities, please contact the Office of Disability Services (828.262.3056 or www.ods.appstate.edu). Once registration is complete, individuals will meet with ODS staff to discuss eligibility and appropriate accommodations. Late Assignments Assignments that are not turned in by the beginning of class on the noted due date are considered late. Each day an assignment is late results in a loss of 5 points. Assignments will NOT be accepted beyond 5 days late.
Grading Students can earn a maximum of 500 points in this course. The 500 points are determined as follows: Examinations (2 Each worth 100 points) 200 In Class Exercises and Quizzes 130 Case Study: Section 1 300 Case Study: Section 2 120 Case Study: Section 3 250 TOTAL POINTS 1000 Grades will be determined using the following scale: A = 930-1000 points A- = 900-929 points B+ = 870-899 points B = 830-869 points B- = 800-829 points C+ = 770-799 points C = 730-769 points C- = 700-729 points D+ = 670-699 points D = 640-669 points D- = 600-639 points F = below 600 points ***The instructor reserves the right to modify course requirements and the schedule when necessary.***
TENTATIVE OUTLINE, TOPICS, AND ASSIGNMENTS Date Topic Reading (before class) Activity (In-class) Assignment (due in class) Week 1: Aug. 18 Your brain is a development: rainforest (on-line Introduction reading) Discussion: Your brain is a rainforest Week 1: Aug. 20 Theoretical Chapter 1 frameworks Week 2: Aug. 25 Chapters 2, 3 & 9 prenatal development and the neonate Week 2: Aug. 27 prenatal development and the neonate Week 3: Sep. 1 Chapters 5 & 11 physical growth, motor development
and neurology Week 3: Sep. 3 Convocation: Class is Cancelled Week 4: Sep. 8 physical growth, motor development and neurology Week 4: Sep. 10 Chapter 8 sensory development Week 5: Sep. 15 sensory development Week 5: Sep.17 Observing and Class Case Study Review of case study interpreting assignment development: Variations with children Practice case study- Section 1 grid Week 6: Sep. 22 Chapter 7 cognition
Week 6: Sep. 24 cognition Week 7: Sep. 29 Readings posted on language and ASULearn communicative development Week 7: Oct. 1 language and communicative development Week 8: Oct. 6 Chapter 10 Exam 1 due adaptive behaviors Week 8: Oct. 8 Group Work/ DEC Groups meet conference individually Week 9: Oct. 13 Section 1 due adaptive behaviors Week 9: Oct. 15 Fall break Week 10: Oct. 20 Chapters 12 & 16 biological Readings on
environments ASULearn Week 10: Oct. 22 biological environments Week 11: Oct. 27 family Chapters 4, 15, 17, 18, environments & 19 Week 11: Oct. 29 Observing and Class Case Study Review of case study interpreting assignment development: environments Practice case study- Section 2 Week 12: Nov. 3 Readings on neighborhoods and ASULearn communities Week 12: Nov. 5 neighborhoods and communities Week 13: Nov. 10 neighborhoods and communities
Week 13: Nov. 12 Creating service Class Case Study Review of case study Section 2 due plans that assignment integrate variations in children and environments Practice case study- Section 3 Week 14: Nov. 17 Current legislation Chapters 6, 13, 20 & and services 21 Application of theoretical models Week 14: Nov. 19 Group Work/NAEYC Groups meet conference individually Week 15: Nov. 24 Current policy, Readings on practices and ASULearn advocacy Week 15: Nov 26 State holiday Week 16: Dec. 1 Current policy, practices and Chapter 14 Section 3 due advocacy Week 16: Dec. 3 Current policy, practices and
advocacy Week 17: Dec. 9 Final exam period Exam 2 12:00-2:30