This course is a yearlong class designed to prepare students for work in a variety of instructional areas that involve working with children including preschool/day care and primary grades. This course will focus on child development from birth to age nine in physical, cognitive and social-emotional domains. Students will learn and apply theoretical knowledge and developmentally appropriate practices in the classroom and in internships. Students will gain insights in health and safety, nutrition, positive guidance, learning theories, cultural diversity, child abuse, classroom management and curriculum activities. Students will explore the competencies and characteristics of a successful early childhood education program and will participate in the implementation of lesson plan activities that span developmental domains and curriculum areas of literacy, math, social studies, science, music/movement, nutrition, storytelling and dramatic play.