CHD1430 - Observing Children

3 hours Lecture, 3 credit(s)

Lower-Division College Credit

AA Elective: No

Course Description:
This course studies the observation, recording, and interpretation of children’s behavior, and is designed to increase students’ objectivity and proficiency when in the educational environment. This course emphasizes the use of written reports, sample tape recordings, checklists, and other techniques to ensure unbiased, confidential, professional, and ethical behavior in the observer. The course focuses on the development of awareness of behavioral indices and behavior patterns for children from birth through age eight.

Academic Dean’s Contact Information

LAKELAND DEAN’S OFFICE: LLC 2255 PHONE: (863) 297-1024
WINTER HAVEN DEAN’S OFFICE: WSC 101 PHONE: (863) 297-1020

Polk State College Mission and Outcomes

Polk State College is a quality-driven educational institution, providing access to affordable associate and baccalaureate degrees, career certificates, and workforce development programs, delivered by diverse, qualified faculty and staff who are committed to student learning and achievement through the consistent practice of collaboration and focus on excellence. In line with this purpose, Polk State College’s AS programs develop competence in career areas. A primary focus of this course is the development of competencies related to the following program learning outcome(s):

5. Create a system of on-going observation, assessment and documentation.

Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Describe the six major aspects of child development: emotional, social, motor, cognitive, language, & creative.
List the purposes and procedures for observing children.
Identify types of observation and recording methods for each of the areas of child development.
Use a variety of accurate, effective observational techniques to provide systematic assessment records.
Complete observational instruments for all areas of child development in a systemic manner.
Record observations of behavior, settings and conditions clearly, exclusive of judgment or bias.
Relate the importance of confidentiality of observation information.
Interpret assessment records based on child development norms using ethical and professional standards.
Apply information gathered from assessment records.
Design individual learning prescriptions that will promote continued development.

Course Content:
Class Dates               Readings          Topics
1.                              Introduction     Introductions/Course Scope and Sequence/Setting the
                                                          Stage
2.                              Chapter 1         Using the Class List Log to look at Separation and School
                                                          Adjustment
3.                              Chapter 2         Using Anecdotal Recordings to Look at Self-Care
4.                              Chapter 3         Using Checklists to Look at Physical Development
5.                              Chapter 4         Using Running Records to Look at Social Development
6.                              Chapter 5         Using Frequency Counts to Look at Emotional Development
7.                              Chapter 6         Using Conversations to Listen to Language and Speech
8.                              Chapter 7         Using Time Samples to Look at Attention Span
9.                              Chapter 8         Using Standardized Tests to Look at Cognitive Development
10.                             Chapter 9         Using Rating Scales to Look at Literacy
11.                             Chapter 10       Using Work Samples to Look at Creativity
12.                             Chapter 11       Using Technology to Look at Sociodramatic Play
13.                             Chapter 12       Using Documentation for Child Abuse Suspicions
14.                                                      Kids Come To College
15.                             Chapter 13       Using Program Assessments to Look at Children in Groups
15.                             Chapter 14      Using the Portfolio to Conference with Families … .
16.                             Portfolio            Final

LESSON ACTIVITIES/ASSIGNMENTS/PORTFOLIO COMPONENTS:

Identify a preschool age child for case study/parent permission signed/background information/picture of child.
Prepare portfolio of the child using multiple observation tools taught in the text.
Additional tools will be used for Draw a person, Block Building, Bead Stringing, Cutting Samples, Writing Samples, Marker Drawings, & Easel Paintings.
Complete exercises provided in class and the text.
Complete a reflection journal.
Prepare for final exam/Portfolio will be due next class.
Bring child /family to school next week/Bring materials for Kids Come to College Night.
Share with parents/Kids Come To College Night.

Textbook and Other Requirements

Textbook information is provided in the course syllabus, at the campus bookstore, and on the campus bookstore website at: www.efollett.com.

The Gordon Rule

This is not a Gordon Rule course.

Student Help

The professor is available for help during posted hours and by appointment during other non-class hours. Students are encouraged to seek assistance from the professor. To further the educational process, the campus Learning Resources Centers, comprised of the Teaching/Learning and Computing Center (TLCC) and library, are available for student use. Each resource provides qualified staff and up-to-date equipment and facilities to promote students’ academic success. The TLCC provides tutoring services, computing resources, and other instructional support. The library provides information resources, individual and group study space, research assistance, information literacy instruction, and computing resources. Each facility provides free wireless access to the Internet. Polk State College Library and TLCC hours of operation and tutoring schedules are posted at each facility and on the Polk State College website.

Withdrawing From a Course

Students may officially withdraw from course(s) during any given term, provided they follow the appropriate policy and procedure. Following the conclusion of the Drop/Add Period, a student may officially withdraw without academic penalty from any credit course, provided he or she has submitted the appropriate forms to the Student Services Office no later than the published deadline. The published deadline reflects approximately (but no more than) 70% of the term, based upon the course’s scheduled duration. It is the student’s responsibility to submit these withdrawal forms; failure to do so may result in a grade of F in the course. Under the Forgiveness Policy, a student is allowed only three attempts in any one course: one initial enrollment and two repeats. A student is not allowed to withdraw from a third course attempt. Limited admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding withdrawing from courses that vary from this policy. Please see the student handbook for that program for more information. If a student stops attending class, the grade earned, usually an F, is assigned and posted. Prior to withdrawing from a course, the student should consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine what impact, if any, withdrawal from the course will have on his or her financial aid status. A student cannot use course withdrawal to avoid academic dishonesty penalties. A student who has been penalized for academic dishonesty in a course is not eligible to withdraw from the course.

Repeating a Course

Under the Forgiveness Policy, a student is allowed only three attempts in any one college credit course: one initial enrollment and two repeats. Under certain circumstances, a student may petition to repeat a credit course beyond the three attempts. Limited admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding repeating courses that vary from this policy. Please see the student handbook for that program for more information. The student should be aware that repeating a course may result in a higher course cost. A course cannot be repeated unless the previously earned grade is a D, F, or W (the Polk State College Catalog provides further details regarding this process). Prior to repeating a course, the student should consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine what impact, if any, repeating the course will have on his or her financial aid status.

Academic Dishonesty

Each student is responsible for his or her work. It is assumed that each student is honest and will abide by this standard; however, in the event that there is an indication or suspicion of cheating/plagiarism, the situation shall be dealt with in accordance with the published College policy. Copies of this policy are available in the Student Services Office. Students should also refer to the course syllabus for more specific information.

Information Technology Access/Use Policy

All individuals who employ the information technology resources provided by Polk State College (this includes, but is not limited to, telephones, computers, the Polk State College Local Area and Wide Area Networks, and the Internet) must use these resources for academic purposes only. Use of these resources is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use can result in revocation or suspension of this privilege.

Equal Access/Opportunity

Polk State College is an equal access, equal opportunity institution committed to excellence through diversity in education. The College complies with all state and federal laws granting rights to applicants for admission to the College. Polk State College is committed to the equitable treatment of all students in a learning environment free of discrimination and harassment. Polk State College’s Equity Officer ensures compliance with federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination and sexual harassment. Students who believe they have been a victim of discrimination or sexual harassment should contact the Polk State College Equity Officer, Ms. Valparisa Baker, at 863-292-3602 or vbaker@polk.edu.

Equal Opportunity For Students With Disabilities

The College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and provides equal educational opportunity for qualified individuals. A student with a disability who requires special accommodations or auxiliary aids under The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the Student Services Office on either campus and speak with the Coordinator of Academic Advising.

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