HIGHLANDS HIGH SCHOOL
592703 – Parenting & Child Development
2011 - 2012 Course Syllabus
Instructor:
A. Wagner
Phone: 859-815-2664
Email: Ahren.Wagner@Fortthomas.kyschools.us
Grades:
10, 11, and 12
Credit:
1
Prerequisite: None
Description:
This course addresses the practical problems related to understanding the types and stages of
human growth and development, recognizing effects of heredity and environment on human
growth and development, meeting the needs of exceptional children, and promoting optimal
growth and development in the infancy, toddler, preschool, middle childhood, adolescent and
adulthood stages. Careers in child/human development are explored. Students will also evaluate
the impact of parenting roles and responsibilities, discuss the parenting practices that maximize
human growth and development and will analyze the physical and emotional factors of
parenting. Leadership development will be provided through the FCCLA student organization.
Comment:
This course is highly recommended for anyone planning to be a parent and/or have a career in
child care or working with children in any capacity. It is a great class for students interested in
becoming teacher in the future.
Course Standards:
Students will
 Explain the types of growth and development
 Recognize the effects of heredity and environment on human growth and development
 Describe the stages of human growth and development
 Identify factors that promote optimum growth and development in the infancy and
toddler stages, including physical growth, social and emotional development and
intellectual development
 Identify factors that promote optimum growth and development in the preschool stage
including social, emotional, and intellectual growth
 Recommend effective guidance techniques for dealing with misbehavior
 Organize play activities for the preschool child
 Identify optimum growth and development in middle childhood including physical,
intellectual, social and emotional development
 Propose a plan to meet the needs of exceptional children
 Characterize optimum growth and development in adolescence and adulthood
 Compile information about careers in child/human development
 Examine factors to be considered I assessing readiness for parenthood
 Identify causes and solutions for infertility
 Identify the parts and functions of the male and female reproductive system
 Discuss family planning
 Identify the early stage of pregnancy
 Identify the aspects of adequate prenatal care
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Compare fetal development during each trimester
Analyze the factors that contribute to reducing birth defects
Describe the birth process
Describe the physical characteristics of the newborn
Analyze responsibilities common to parenting and caregiving roles
Recognize signs of illness in a child
Determine appropriate treatment of children’s accidents and injuries
Utilize activities of the FCCLA student organization as an integral component of course
content and leadership development
Apply math, science, and communication skills within technical content
Demonstrate employability and social skills relevant to the career cluster
Textbook
Brisbane, Holly. The Developing Child; Understanding Children and Parenting, Glencoe, 2010
Ryder, Verdene. Parents and Their Children, Goodheart-Willcox, 2010
Required Materials:
1-inch binder with tab dividers
Loose-leaf paper
Blue or black pens, pencils
Index Cards
Markers
Flash Drive
Grading:
Students will be evaluated on class assignments and activities including but not limited to the
following:
 Assigned and graded classwork
 Class projects
 Observations
 Portfolio entries
 Unit tests
 Child Care Lab
 Homework
 “Baby Think It Over” participation/project
 Binders
 “A Child Called It” reading
Participation & Attendance
Students are expected to participate and contribute to discussion. Students are expected to be on
time and prepared for class with all necessary materials. Students are expected to participate in
all class activities, projects and events. Students will use Turnitin.com for their writing pieces.
Course Content/Calendar
FIRST SEMESTER
What is Parenting?
Types of Families/Family Life Cycle
Teenage Pregnancy
3 Weeks
1 Week
1 Week
Children with Special Needs
Pregnancy
Infertility
Genetic Counseling
Prenatal Care
Fetal Development
Childbirth
Birth Defects
Newborn/Infant Care
Guiding Children
Moral Development
Children’s Behavior
Handling Common Problems
Strengthening Families
Family Challenges
Stress in Family
Selecting Child Care
Providing a Nurturing Environment
2 Weeks
4 Weeks
1 Week
2 Weeks
1 Week
1 Week
1 Week
SECOND SEMESTER
Infancy
Physical Development
Emotional & Social Development
Intellectual Development
Toddler
Physical Development
Emotional & Social Development
Intellectual Development
Preschool
Physical Development
Emotional & Social Development
Intellectual Development
Middle Childhood
Caring for Children
Child Care Provider
Observing Young Children
Participating in Child Care and Education
Careers in Child Care
3 Weeks
3 Weeks
4 Weeks
1 Week
5 Weeks
2 Weeks