Course Syllabus
Course Syllabus
CRN: 33603 sec. G01, Spring 2021
This syllabus is also available as a Word document, which is printable and accessible by a screen reader: CDEV 85 Syllabus.PDF
The Syllabus contains eight sections. There is a lot of information, but it is important for you to read each section. To read each section click the heading for that section. After opening each section, you can click on the Syllabus Navigation, , on the top right to jump between sections or revisit relevant sections.
Course Communication
Instructor Contact
If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact me as soon as you can. I am looking forward to working together with you all and supporting you during this fast paced class!
Landi Ehnle
- Email: lehnle@ccsf.edu
- CCSF Phone: Zoom meeting by appointment
- Office Hours: I am available for Office Hours throughout the our 8 weeks together. I have set-up a schedule for you to reserve your in-person office hour appointments or online office hour appointments.
- Office Location: Remote
- You can visit my CCSF instructional website.
Communication Plan
- I will respond to your messages within 24-48 hours excluding holidays and Sundays. If you do not hear back within this timeframe, please resend your message again. If for some reason you are not able to access the Canvas Inbox, then please email landi.ehnle@mail.ccsf.edu.
- Your work will be reviewed and I will comment on it within 48 hours of the due date unless I tell you something different. Please note that you will receive private comments on your discussion posts, your course journal entries, and your project and final exams. Your weekly quizzes will also contain feedback for your own self-assessment.
- I will participate in the weekly discussions, but will not respond to each individual student. You will receive private comments on your discussion posts.
- If you do not log in to the course, you will receive a message from our early alert system "Starfish" to remind you to come back to the course. It is best to keep up because this class moves quickly and because life happens!
Building Community
The most important part of this class is to build a community of educators committed to caring for young children. Participating with your classmates through the discussion forums and peer reviews helps us develop that sense of community and feeling of belonging. Each week you and your classmates will analyze and discuss the issues that come up as new concepts each week. We learn from each other, from our varied experiences, and from our different perspectives. You will ‘hear’ me say often, “There is wisdom in the room.”
Instructor Announcements
This class will be featuring several weekly announcements, to make sure you all know what needs to be completed each week. If I need to make a mid-week announcement, I will post it to the Announcement Forum. Be sure to set your Canvas Notification Preferences so you get notified as soon as a new announcement is posted. Canvas notifies students according to their preferred Notification Preferences (Links to an external site.) as soon as the I create an Announcement.
Q&A Forum
- Please post general course-related questions in the Q&A Forum and a quick link is located on the Home Page. I will reply to Q&A posts within 48 hours, Mon-Sat, and replies will be visible to the entire class, but anyone is welcome to add to the conversation.
Discussion Forums
We will have regular Discussion forums to interact with your peers. Each discussion forum includes clear expectations for your required post and replies, including due dates and a grading rubric. I will also be an active participant by reading all your posts, and responding to several students each week to clarify comments, redirect, correct any misinformation, summarize, or get conversations going.
Course Description
This three-unit course explores the principles and practices of relationship-based care that support infant/toddler social-emotional development, learning during routine care and play activities, and development of language and communication. The parent-provider partnership is explored as key to understanding children and keeping them connected to the family and culture.
Prerequisites/corequisites/advisories
ESL 182 or ENGL 88 or placement in ESL 184 or readiness for college-level English.
Course Justification: This course meets the California Community Colleges ECE/CD (EarlyChildhood/Child Development) Curriculum Alignment Project standards for a course inIntroduction to Curriculum. This course meets the requirements for AS-T, AS and severalChild Development certificates.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:
- Analyze how program policies support relationships in infant/toddler care.
- Describe a child's behavior with an understanding of social-emotional development and possible underlying causes of that behavior.
- Create a nurturing learning environment that supports relationships in group care.
- Plan activities that actively engage and support infant/toddler learning.
- Compare practices that strengthen or challenge the parent-provider partnership.
- Evaluate infant/toddler care practices for cultural sensitivity.
Class Meetings
This class is taught remotely and is completely online. There are no in-person meetings.
Textbooks (all free downloads)
- California., & Center for Child and Family Studies (WestEd). (2019). California infant/toddler learning & development program guidelines. Sacramento: California Department of Education. (2nd Ed.)
- California., & Center for Child and Family Studies (WestEd). (2009). California infant/toddler learning & development foundations. Sacramento: California Department of Education.
- Desired Results Developmental Profile (2015). Sacramento: California Department
Education. https://www.desiredresults.us/drdp-forms
Field Trips
There are no official all class field trips, but you will need to visit a child care center and observe the interactions between a teacher an at least one child. (You can use one of the approved videos if you are not able to observe a child in real life.)
Course Technology
Canvas
Students will use the Canvas Learning Management system [for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, viewing classmates' work, sharing resources, and viewing grades]. I can help with the course material and with some Canvas issues. But, if you need help uploading an assignment or with the mechanics of Canvas, Canvas help is the number to call.
For 24/7 help with Canvas call: 1-844-592-2198.
Zoom Video Conferencing
I am available for Office Hours throughout the our 8 weeks together. I have set-up a schedule for you to reserve your in-person office hour appointments or online office hour appointments.
Required Software
Course Logistics
Important Dates
- Day Class Begins: April 5,2021
- Day Class Ends: May 26, 2021
- fmjrig`(Links to an external site.) Last Day to Add without instructor's approval: April 10, 2021
- Last Day to Drop with refund: April 10, 2021
- Last Day to Drop without a 'W' symbol: April 10, 2021
- Last Day to Opt for Pass/No Pass: April 15, 2021
- Last Day to Drop with a W or apply for leave of absence: April 15, 2021
- Final Exam Date: May 26, 2021
Dropping the Class
It is important for you to participate in the forums and complete the assignments on time. This is especially true for the first three assignments (one is optional) that are due during the first week of class. In order for me to make sure you are part of this class, you will need to complete the following by Sunday night (day 7) of our class:
• Post in the Introduction Discussion.
• Identify during week 1 an early childhood school to visit during week 2.
• Complete the quick check at the end of Module 1.
• Video introduction (optional)
Just logging in does not count as engagement. Participating in the forums and assignments counts as engagement. If you stop engaging in the class and with your classmates for more than a week without communicating with me through Canvas Inbox (preferred) or Zoom office hours, you risk being dropped from this class.
If you decide to discontinue this course, it is your responsibility to officially drop it to avoid losing your refund. Also, because this is such a short class, I am unable to drop you if you decide to stop participating in the class any time after the first week. I get locked out of the system after the first week.
Pass‐NoPass (P/NP)
You may take this class P/NP. You must decide before the deadline, and add the option online with WEB4 or file the P/NP form with Admissions and Records. With a grade of C or better, you will get P.
You must file for the P/NP option by date listed above. Once you decide to go for P/NP, you cannot change back to a letter grade. If you are taking this course as part of a certificate program, you can probably still take the class P/NP. Check with a counselor to be sure.
Attendance
Students who do not log-in to class after the second week and participate in a learning activity will be dropped from the class. It is strongly advised that if you need to miss more than one class/homework deadline in a row that you contact me to avoid being dropped from the class and/or failing the class.
Late Policy
All assignments are due at 11:59 p.m. PST on the due date. A late submission will receive a 20% penalty. Submissions more than one week late are not accepted without prior arrangement.
Grading
Methods of Evaluation
Each week you will complete graded assignments. There is a Discussion, a Course Journal entry, and a Quiz each week. Quizzes may be taken three times. All of these assignments can be completed after reading the textbook assignments and the summaries in the content modules.
Methods of Evaluation
- Participation: Participation in weekly discussions
- Written work: Reflection papers and short written responses to lecture, readings and videos showing ability to evaluate and analyze topics as described above.
- Exams/Quizzes/Tests:Mid-term exam based on class materials, text and handouts.
Assignments
- Discussions: Small and large group discussions on topics such as physical/ sensory-motor, social-emotional, and cognitive development. (100points)
- Assignments: Short, written responses to lecture, readings and videos on topics such as Early Messages, Protective Urges, It's Not Just Routine.
- Individual Reflection Responses:beliefs and attitudes towards infant care given at the beginning and again at the end of the semester.
- Weekly readings from textbooks, handouts and electronic sources on topics such as current brain research and environmental influences in infant/ toddler development and socialization.(100 points)
Written observation report on an infant classroom that includes: practices and strategies that support these relationships, as well as teacher/parent and parent/child relationships. - Final assignment: Final Project - Students select a project that supports or enhances relationship-based care with the plan to be approved by instructor. Possibilities include: photo documentation and written essay of changes made to physical environment to improve teacher/child and child/child relationships; photo documentation and written essay of toddler friendship; essay based on interview with infant teacher; essay on use of Temperament assessment to address challenging behavior.
Grading Response Time and Feedback
I will review your work within one week of the due date, most of the time it will be earlier. Sometimes I might send private comments (direct message) on your discussion posts, or other assignments. The easiest way to find the feedback is on the Grades page.
Exams
There will be online quizzes throughout the course and an online final project. The material comes from the textbook, class lectures and supplemental materials. If any exam is missed, a zero will be recorded as the score. It is your responsibility to take the online exams by the due date.
Grading Policy
Visit the Grades page in Canvas to keep track of your grades. I grade assignments twice a week and post grades and comments on the online Canvas gradebook.
How do I view my grades, teacher comments, and an assignment rubric as a student?
Grades will be assigned as follows:
Letter Grade | Percent | Points |
---|---|---|
A |
90% |
900 points or more |
B |
80% |
800 to 899 points |
C |
70% |
700 to 799 points |
D |
60% |
600 to 699 points |
F or FW |
<60% |
SEE NOTES BELOW |
Grading scale: A=90-100%; B=80-89%; C=70-79%; D=60-69%; F=<60%.
Grading: 15% reading/discussions| 20% reflection papers |25% midterm exam | 10% infant/toddler observation| 30% final presentation
If taking Pass/No Pass you need at least 70% of the total class points and complete the midterm exam and the final project to pass the class.
An “F” grade indicates that a student attended, participated and completed the course but failed to master the course curriculum.
An “FW” grade indicates the student stopped attending a course after the “last day to withdraw” deadline and subsequently did not submit any work or participate in any exams. Please check with your counselor and financial aid advisor for possible implications of the FW grade on residency and financial aid status.
Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
If you need classroom or testing accommodations because of a disability, or have emergency medical information to share with me, or need special arrangements, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible.
Students seeking disability related accommodations are encouraged to also register with Disabled Students Programs and Services located in Room 323 of the Rosenberg Library (415) 452-5481. Please see the DSPS website (Links to an external site.) for more information and alternate locations.
Standards of Conduct
Students who register in CCSF classes are required to abide by the CCSF Student Code of Conduct (Links to an external site.). Violation of the code is basis for referral to the Student Conduct Coordinator or dismissal from class or from the College. See the Office of Student Affairs (Links to an external site.).
Collaborating on or copying of tests or homework in whole or in part will be considered an act of academic dishonesty and result in a grade of 0 for that test or assignment. I encourage students to share information and ideas, but not their work. See these links on Plagiarism:
Encourage Academic Integrity and Prevent Plagiarism (Links to an external site.)
Expectations
Student Expectations
You will succeed in this course if you meet the following expectations:
- Complete the assigned activities. Please let me know as soon as you can concerning difficulties that you may have in getting assignments in on time.
- Complete the discussion posts and replies within the given window of time. Our discussions are much more vibrant when we all participate!
- Complete the weekly quizzes, the final project, and the final exam on time.
- Think critically about the weekly topics. Is something surprising? Is it new to you? How does it contrast with what you know about XYZ or how does it compare to ABC?
- Do your own and your best work.
Instructor Expectations
Here is what you can expect of me:
- I will respond to your email or message within 24 hours during the week, unless I inform you otherwise.
- I will treat you and your ideas with respect.
- I will grade your assignments most often within 48 hours. (If you have posted late work, it may take longer.) Grades on the final project and final exam will be done within a week.
- You will see your grades in the Canvas Gradebook.
- I will work hard to make this a great class.
Class Content
Note to students: the assignments listed below in the Course Summary do not include all course content. To view all course content, go to Modules.
Content
- How relationship-based infant/toddler care supports quality
- Impact of early care on brain development
- Organization of the brain after birth
- Effects of stress on brain development and behavior
- Child care provider role in providing optimal levels of stimulation
- Reflection on beliefs and practices
- Understanding our own perspectives
- Caregiving practices and their underlying beliefs
- Impact of early care on brain development
- Program policies and practices that support relationships
- Primary caregiving - assigned child care provider
- Individualized care - for all routine care
- Small group size - to assure individualized care
- Continuity of care - over time
- Emotional and social development of infants and toddlers
-
- Understanding temperaments
-
- Recognizing the traits of temperament
b. Looking for "goodness of fit" between child and adult
The Development of self-regulation
a. Biologic functions, emotions and behavior
b. Self-regulation at different stages and changing role of child care provider
Responsive caregiving in child care
a. "Responsiveness" vs. "spoiling"
b. Timely and appropriate responses
Social-emotional milestones
a. The development of infant emotions
b. Social-referencing
5. Understanding children's behavior
a. Describing behavior objectively
b. Possible causes for a child's behavior
6. Socialization and guidance
a. Goals for guidance
b. Strategies for socialization and guidance
D. Environments from an infant's perspective
1. A safe and interesting place to explore through the ages and stages
a. Places for young infants
b. Places for mobile infants
c. Places for toddlers
2. Places that support relationships
a. Among children
b. Between adults and children
E. Early learning and care
1. Caregiving routines as curriculum in child care
a. Greeting and departing
b. Eating, diapering, and napping
c. Making transitions
2. Early brain development
a. Learning by experience - through the senses
b. Scaffolding - building on experiences
3. Discoveries in infancy
a. What are infants learning?
b. How does it change through the stages?
- Recognizing the traits of temperament
c. Safe and interesting materials for exploration
4. Facilitating early learning
a. Observing the child's interest and intent
b. Child care provider responses that support the child's interest and intent
5. Early language and communication
a. "Reading" infants' communications
b. Using self-talk, parallel talk and expansion to support language development
6. Supporting dual language learners
a. Honoring the child's home language
b. Being intentional with use of languages
F. Family and culture
1. Making and maintaining partnerships with families
a. First impressions - touring and enrolling
b. Daily and ongoing conversations
c. The parent conference
d. Connecting with other parents
2. Helping infants feel connected to their families while in child care
a. Making the transition to child care
b. Maintaining continuity between home and child care
3. Understanding the protective urges of parents and child care providers
a. Understanding our own cultural biases in child-rearing
b. Every baby has a family culture
4. Responding to families in culturally sensitive ways
a. Evaluating environments and policies that support diversity
b. Using acknowledge/ask/adapt strategy when there are differences.
List of Assignments
Assignments
- In-class activities: Small and large group discussions, short, written responses to lecture, readings and videos on topics such as an evaluation of a curricular unit for adaptation for special needs children. (70 points)
- Out-of-class assignments: Reflection papers or tests based on readings and class activities explaining student's understanding of these readings and activities and howthis knowledgewill be applied when working in children's centers, programs or schools. (60 points)
- Out-of-class assignment: Visit to a Child Development program, follow-up writtenObservation and Documentation Board. (70 points)