Spring 2026
Child Growth and Development
CHILD GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT (CDEC 1354) CREDIT 3 Semester Credit Hours (3 hours lecture, 0 hours lab) MODE OF INSTRUCTION Online PREREQUISITE/CO-REQUISITE: N/A COURSE DESCRIPTION This course will provide study of the principles of growth and development from conception through three years of age. Physical, intellectual and social/emotional development. COURSE OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Summarize principles of growth and development 2. Identify typical stages of cognitive, social, physical, language, and emotional development 3. Compare, contrast, and apply theories of development in practice 4. Discuss the impact of developmental processes on educational practices 5. Identify the stages of play development (from solitary to cooperative) and describe the important role of play in young children's learning and development 6. Demonstrate skills in practical application of developmental principles and theories, observation techniques, assessment, and recognition of growth and development patterns INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION Instructor: Tiffanie Garrett Cruz Email: Tgcruz@lit.edu Office Phone: 409-718-1147 Office Location: TC 220 Office Hours: Scheduled upon request REQUIRED TEXTBOOK AND MATERIALS This course will utilize AgriLife online courses. Promoting Early Education Quality (PEEQ) is a statewide program of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension dedicated to encouraging the adoption of research- and evidence-based practices in all levels of the early education field. As well as, Open Educational Resources The Whole Child: Development in the Early Years eBook. Required: a laptop or device that will allow you to access required material on LIT Blackboard. ATTENDANCE POLICY Internet usage- students are to use proper netiquette when participating in course email, assignment submissions and online discussions. DROP POLICY If you wish to drop a course, you are responsible for initiating and completing the drop process by the specified drop date as listed on the Academic Calendar. If you stop coming to class and fail to drop the course, you will earn an “F” in the course. Week Date Topic Course Work 1 1/25 Welcome Introductions & Expectations Blackboard Orientation Test Set up Account with AgriLife Introduction Discussion 2 2/1 Perspectives on Early Childhood OER-Chapter 1: Perspectives on Early Childhood Quiz Discussion 3 2/8 Theorists and Theories of Development OER-Chapter 2: Theorists and Theories of Development Quiz Discussion Theory-to-Practice Infographic Assignment 4 2/15 Domains in Development OER-Chapter 3: Domains in Development Quiz Discussion #MilestoneMonday Social Media Campaign Assignment 5 2/22 Brain Development from Conception to Age 8 OER-Chapter 4: Brain Development from Conception to Age 8 Quiz Discussion 6 3/1 Infancy OER-Chapter 6: Infancy Quiz Discussion 7 3/8 Toddlers OER-Chapter 7: Toddlers Quiz Discussion 8 3/9-3-13 SPRING BREAK 9 3/22 Supporting Children’s Growth and Development AgriLife - Supporting Children’s Growth & Development Complete Journal Discussion Presentation 10 3/29 AgriLife- Value of Play AgriLife-Value of Play Journal Discussion Presentation 11 4/5 AgriLife – Teaching with Intentionality AgriLife – Teaching with Intentionality Journal Discussion 12 4/12 AgriLife – Fostering Children’s Self-Esteem AgriLife – Fostering Children’s Self-Esteem Journal Discussion 13 4/19 AgriLife – Helping Children Resolve Peer Conflict AgriLife – Helping Children Resolve Peer Conflict Journal Discussion 14 4/26 AgriLife- Autism Spectrum Disorders AgriLife – Autism Spectrum Disorders Journal Discussion 15 5/3 Supporting Sensory Integrations AgriLife – Supporting Sensory Integrations Journal Discussion 16 5/10 Final Thoughts Course Final COURSE EVALUATION Final grades will be calculated according to the following criteria: ASSIGNMENTS % OF TOTAL Discussion Posts 15% Homework Assignments 15% Quiz 10% Journal 10% Projects (1-5) 10% each = 50% Total 100% There will be 5 projects due throughout the semester that together will make up the grade of a Final. These projects collectively make up 50% of your total grade. GRADE SCALE A 90%-100% B 80%-<90% C 70%-<80% D 60%-<70% F Below 60% TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS The latest technical requirements, including hardware, compatible browsers, operating systems, etc. can be online at https://lit.edu/online-learning/online-learning-minimum-computer-requirements. A functional broadband internet connection, such as DSL, cable, or WiFi is necessary to maximize the use of online technology and resources. COURSE REQUIREMENTS Success is dependent on active participation and engagement in all areas of the course. As such, students are required to complete all assignments by the due date, and to actively participate in class discussions. Additionally, students are expected to: • Log on at least 3 times per week- different days in order to complete weekly assignments, assessments, discussions and/or other weekly deliverables as directed by the instructor and outlined in the syllabus • Participate in the threaded discussions • Cheating will not be tolerated You should expect to spend 8-12 hours per week actively engaged with the course. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY Students found to be committing academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, or collusion) may receive disciplinary action. Students need to familiarize themselves with the institution’s Academic Dishonesty Policy available in the Student Catalog and Handbook. STUDENT EXPECTED TIME REQUIREMENT Success in this course is dependent on your active participation and engagement throughout the course. As such, students are required to complete all assignments by the due date, and to actively participate in class discussions. Online/Hybrid students should expect to spend at least as much time in this course as in the traditional, face-to-face class. DISCUSSION BOARDS Students are expected to participate in threaded Discussion Board topics. Participation is required in the discussion posts by responding to the thread, then posting engaging comments or questions to at least two other peers’ postings. Late Discussions will receive a grade reduction. MAKE UP WORK Late work will be accepted with communication. All late work will result in a 10% penalty. RESPONSE TIMES I expect to respond to your emails within 24 to 48 hours. All discussion post/responses, homework, quizzes, and assignments are usually graded by the day after the due date. COURSE INSTRUCTOR EVALUATION Instruction as well as student performance is subject to evaluation. Procedures for instructor evaluation will be provided near the end of this course via email from Lamar Institute of Technology. Save a screenshot of your instructor’s evaluation completion page and upload it to the appropriate spot for extra credit. ONLINE ETIQUETTE • Log in a few minutes before the scheduled class time to test equipment (camera, microphone, internet connection), and have course materials ready before class begins. This is important because punctuality and preparedness shows professionalism and respect for the course, instructor and fellow students. • Cameras should be on during the class session with student visually present. Building a strong learning community is essential for effective interaction. Visual presence fosters accountability, engagement, and instruction understanding. Ensure appropriate attire during sessions. • Microphone should be muted unless you are speaking. Background noise is a disruptive to the session. • Use verbal or chat participation to ask questions, contribute to discussions, or respond to prompts. Passive attendance limits learning. • Avoid multi-tasking during sessions. Maintaining a respectful and distraction-free learning environment supports a professional academic environment.