CHD1430 - Observing Children

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 Program Outcomes

Polk State College, a quality-driven institution serving Polk County and beyond, transforms students’ lives through the power of teaching and lifelong learning by providing access to affordable associate and baccalaureate degrees, career certificates, and workforce employment programs, delivered through various modalities and innovative technologies and by diverse, qualified faculty and staff. In line with this purpose, Polk State’s Associate in Science and baccalaureate degree programs develop competence in various career-related skills. This course focuses on the development of competencies related to the following program outcomes:

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

1. Describe the six major aspects of child development: emotional, social, motor, cognitive, language, & creative.
2. List the purposes and procedures for observing children.
3. Identify types of observation and recording methods for each of the areas of child development including typical and atypical.
4. Use a variety of accurate, effective observational techniques to provide systematic assessment records.
5. Complete observational instruments for all areas of child development in a systemic manner.
6. Record observations of behavior, settings and conditions clearly, exclusive of judgment or bias. 
7. Interpret assessment records based on child development norms using ethical and professional standards.
8. Apply information gathered from assessment records.
9. Design individual learning prescriptions that will promote continued development with regard to typical and atypical growth.
10. Identify procedures and legal requirement that provide for productive family conferences in accordance with due process and confidentiality.

 

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:    

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

Textbook and Other Requirements

Textbook information is provided in the course syllabus, at the campus bookstore, on the campus bookstore website (www.polk.bncollege.com), or via the “Shop Textbooks” button on the PASSPORT schedule of classes.

College-Level Communication and Computation Skills

State Rule 6A-10.030 does not apply to this course.

Student Help

The professor is available for help during posted hours and by appointment during other non-class hours. Each student is encouraged to seek assistance from the professor. To further the educational process, the Learning Resources Centers, comprised of the campus Teaching/Learning and Computing Centers (TLCCs), JDA Student Success Center, and campus libraries, are available for student use. Each resource provides qualified staff and up-to-date equipment and facilities to promote academic success. The TLCCs and JDA Student Success Center provide 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. The Polk State College Library, Student Success Center, and TLCC hours of operation and tutoring schedules are posted at each facility and on the College website.

Withdrawing From a Course

A student may officially withdraw from a course during any given term, provided he or she follows the appropriate policy and procedure. Following the conclusion of the Drop period, students may officially withdraw without receiving a grade from any course, provided they do so no later than the published withdrawal 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 course withdrawal that vary from this policy; these guidelines are listed in the specific program handbooks. 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 third attempt. Limited admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding repeating courses that vary from this policy; these guidelines are listed in the specific handbooks. 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 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 or 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. More specific information can be found in the Course Syllabus.

Information Technology Access/Use Policy

The information technology resources provided by Polk State College (this includes, but is not limited to, telephones, computers, the Polk State Local Area and Wide Area Networks, and the Internet) must be used 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 and employment. The College complies with all state and federal laws granting rights to students, employees, and applicants for employment or admission to the College. Polk State College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or pregnancy in its programs, activities, or employment.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Valparisa Baker
Director, Equity and Diversity (Title IX Coordinator)
999 Avenue H NE
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Office: WAD 227
Telephone: (863) 292-3602
e-mail: 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 Coordinator or Director of Disability Services. Note: Limited admission programs may have performance restrictions that apply. Restrictions (where applicable) are outlined in each program’s student handbook.

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