A study of classical and contemporary theories of play. Focus of the study includes empirical basis of play as a component of cognitive, social, perceptual-motor, and developmental processes. A field experience component is required. A study of cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills addressed through music, visual arts, creative movement, literature, and sensory perception. Emphasis on diagnosis and evaluation of early childhood development, nutrition, and health.
Emphasis is placed on the young child to adolescence.
A study of qualitative and quantitative changes in thinking, organizing, perceiving, and problem solving. Emphasizes the sensory motor, intuitive, concrete, and formal development periods. A study of language structure, sequence and process on the acquisition of language formation, cognitive aspects of language acquisition, social aspects of language in childhood, language variation, and language as a foundation of literacy. A study of the human development processes in children from birth to adolescence including the developmental characteristics of learners in the cognitive, social, emotional and physical domain. Special issues relevant to a diverse multicultural society and their sociocultural influences which affect children's classroom behavior will be examined.