ECY100 - Child Development

Outline information
Semester
Schools offering this subject
Last revision date 2024-01-29 00:02:03.339
Last review date 2024-02-05 00:15:01.012

Subject Title
Child Development

Subject Description
This subject focuses on relevant developmental domains, theories and sequences of child development for children from two to six years of age.  It also examines observation techniques and the use of screening tools.

Credit Status
ECY 100 is an Early Childhood Education Accelerated Diploma Program prescribed subject. ECY 100 is a first year, first semester subject. The pre-requisites are equivalent to the criteria set for admission into the Early Childhood Education Accelerated Program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

Specific Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this subject, the student will be able to:

  1. Explain the general principles of developmental theory for children ages 2 – 6 years of age to determine how behaviour impacts growth.
  2. Examine all developmental domains for children 2 – 6 years of age to chart typical patterns of growth.
  3. Describe the impact of brain development within all domains.
  4. Determine the appropriate uses of observation techniques to identify children's behaviour in reference to developmental theories.
  5. Apply observational methods to record the attainment of developmental milestones.
  6. Compare mainstream approaches to development with those practiced with Canadian First Nations people.


ECE Vocational Outcomes:
The following are the Early Childhood Education Program Vocational outcomes. The outcomes listed in bold font indicate which outcomes are focused on in this subject.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  1. Design, implement and evaluate inclusive and play-based early learning curriculum* and programs that support children's holistic development and are responsive to individual children's and groups of children's observed abilities, interests and ideas.
  2. Establish and maintain inclusive* early learning environments* that support diverse*, equitable and accessible developmental and learning opportunities for all children* and their families*.
  3. Select and use a variety of screening tools, observation and documentation strategies to review, support and promote children's* learning across the continuum of early childhood development*
  4. Establish and maintain responsive relationships* with individual children*, groups of children* and families*
  5. Assess, develop and maintain safe, healthy and quality early learning environments* which meet the requirements of current legislation, agency policies and evidence-based practices* in early learning.
  6. Prepare and use professional written, verbal, nonverbal and electronic communications when working with children*, families*, colleagues, employers, and community partners.
  7. Identify, select and apply relevant legislation, regulations, College of Early Childhood Educators Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, policies and evidence-based practice* guidelines, and interpret their impact on a variety of early learning environments*.
  8. Apply a developing personal philosophy of early learning in accordance with ethical and professional standards* of early childhood education practice.
  9. Advocate* for quality early learning environments* and collaborate with members of the early learning team, families* and community partners to establish and promote such settings.
  10. Engage in reflective practice, develop learning goals and maintain an ongoing professional development plan in accordance with evidence-based practices* in early learning and related fields.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.