CHLD 130: Infant Development and Group Care

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2025
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Total Student Learning Hours: 162
Strongly Recommended: ENGL C1000.
District General Education: D2. Behavioral Science
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: No
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

This course focuses on the development of children from birth to 36 months and the dynamics of infant and toddler group care. Emphasis will be on the translation of theories of development to appropriate practices in the classroom environment. Methods of providing care designed for physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development will be stressed. Appropriate culturally sensitive care of infants and toddlers is addressed. The health and safety requirements of the state and county are included. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • Describe program types, licensing regulations, and quality assessment tools for infant and toddler care.
  • Arrange space and equipment in accordance with state requirements and following the principles of infant development
  • Analyze and evaluate program practices based on current medical advice and state regulations regarding nutritional and sanitation practices
  • Assess the developmental level of an infant based on observation and interaction
  • Develop and implement an appropriate individualized curriculum based on the observation, assessment, and developmental expectations
  • Identify and describe the available services that are provided by state and local agencies that support services for infant and toddler care programs
  • Identify inclusive practices that support and respect the diverse cultures, values, and beliefs of families and caregivers
  • Explain the benefits of primary care, continuity of care, culturally responsive care, and small group size in infant and toddler group settings

Major Course Content

  1. California Laws which Govern the Operation of the Infant Day Care
    1. Fire and health codes
    2. Title 22
    3. Title 5
    4. Emergency Medical Services Authority
    5. Food programs
    6. Child abuse and neglect
      1. Mandated Reporting
      2. Prevention strategies
  2. Nutritional Requirements and Recommended Meal Patterns for Infants
    1. CACFP Food Program
    2. Responsive mealtime policies
    3. Culture, traditions, and family choices
    4. Sanitary food handling
  3. Sanitation and Health Standards as Set by State and Local Agencies
    1. Safe environments
    2. Prevention and care
    3. Universal precautions
    4. Food safety
  4. Philosophy and Program Emphasis of Infant Development Programs
    1. Relationship-based care
    2. Primary care
    3. Continuity of care
    4. Individualized interactions
    5. Inclusion of children with special needs
    6. Small groups
    7. Responsive and respectful interactions
    8. Culturally relevant and sensitive care
  5. Curriculum
    1. Routines as curriculum
    2. Individualized lesson plans
  6. Infant and Toddler Development
    1. Ages, stages, and milestones 
    2. Theories of learning and development c
    3. Domains of development: Physical, Cognitive, Language, Social and Emotional
  7. Physical, Mental, Social, and Emotional Development of the Child Under Two
    1. Reflexes
    2. Locomotion
    3. Eye-hand Coordination
    4. Attachment
    5. Language development

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Infant/Toddler Learning and Development Program Guidelines, 2nd Edition, California Department of Education, 2019

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Students will describe the differences between receptive and expressive language development and write a detailed scenario that illustrates both types of language development.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Students will visit an Infant/Toddler program that has been approved by the California Mentor-Teacher Program to observe and evaluate the program

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Online Education Lecture