CHLD 130: Infant Development and Group Care

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2021
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Strongly Recommended: ENGL 101.
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 the infant and on the dynamics of infant 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

  • Locate, examine and evaluate state laws and regulations which relate to the group care of infants
  • 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 appropriate individualized curriculum based on the assessment and developmental expectations
  • Identify and describe the available services which are provided by state and local agencies which support services for infant care programs
  • Recognize the importance of cultural sensitivity when interacting with children and families

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 Development
  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

Van Der Zande, Irene. 1, 2, 3 The Toddler Years, 2nd edition, Santa Cruz Toddler Care Center

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Students will use the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale, revised edition, to rate the Infant/Toddler Center that they visit. Anecdotes must be included to justify the ratings given in all areas of the evaluation tool.

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