Courses listed in the Child Development category provide students with a basis of knowledge regarding curriculum and environment. These course satisfy Maryland core knowledge requirements by covering the following key topics:
- Strategies to facilitate learning and development, including the significance of play, emergent curriculum in learning, and continuity of care
- Best practices, including developmentally appropriate practices, that focus on the needs/interests of all children and youth and consider culturally-valued content and home experiences
- Learning experiences that help all children and youth develop emerging intellectual curiosity, problem-solving and decision-making skills, and critical thinking Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) College and Career-Ready Standards for English Language Proficiency; Fine Arts; Health; History/Social Studies; Mathematics; Media; Physical Education; Reading/English Language Arts; Science; STEAM/STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics); Technology/Computer Skills; and World Languages
- Integration of learning experiences with curriculum theories and current research
- Approaches to learning and learning styles
- Schedule management and transitions
- Planning and implementation of appropriate environments that facilitate development in all domains for all children and youth
- Design of new environments or modification of existing ones that nurture and educate all children and youth and meet state regulatory requirements
- Appropriate equipment and materials for both indoor and outdoor learning environments
- Cultural responsiveness and inclusionary practices.