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Child Development Online Class

April 29th, 2009 lvs Posted in In The Spotlight | No Comments »

Understanding Child Development online course is for parents, educators, child-care givers and anyone interested in the development of children. It helps the student to understand the different stages of development from birth to adolescence – what to expect at each stage in the areas of physical, motor, cognitive and social and emotional development.

Children’s behavior is so individual; they show their own personal responses to life. They relate to people in ways that express their original nature. Yet, the similarities of children in any group are striking. The more they are different, the more they are the same. There are differences, yet there are common characteristics within the age groups. There are enough standard behaviors common to a particular age group that allows for some generalizations about children s behavior. Three universal characteristics that unite children of the world are:

1. they all have the same needs, the most important of which are food, shelter and care;
2. they all go through the same developmental stages;
3. they all have the same developmental goals, although the timing and the cultural designations may be different.

Basic Principles of Human Growth and Development

• Development is a function of genes and environment. The child possesses a capacity for personalized growth and specific expressions of both unique and individual character. But the environment contributes to determine how these expressions will develop.
• Development is best assessed in terms of individual milestones and achievements, rather than through reference to chronological age. Time only offers us a quick easy reference.
• Development is a spontaneous process, facilitated rather than controlled by experience. As the child matures, she experiences herself through interactions with people, events and places. These experiences will facilitate the process of development.
• Development is facilitated through adequate physical and nutritional care and emotional support.

To learn more, register for the Understanding Child Development Online Course.

The instructor, Marilyn is an Educational Consultant and Family Counselor. She has been lecturing at undergraduate and postgraduate university level for the past nine years. She teaches courses in human development, special education, human relations, and educational research, conflict resolution and mediation. As an educator, consultant and parent she has traveled around the globe doing workshops and so has become an expert in human development.