Hidden Gems: ECD 209–Introduction to Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health
A little girl smiles as she chases bubbles through a grassy park.
Have you always felt drawn to working with infants and toddlers? Do you feel empathy for young children, and do you desire to be a part of their healthy growth and development? If so, this course is for you! It will further prepare you to embark on a fulfilling career as a nanny, teach preschool, work in human services, or contribute to the Head Start program or a childcare center, making a significant difference in the lives of young children.
In ECD 209, you will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to work with children ages birth through 8 years old by encouraging healthy interactions, activities and development to help build their resilience and their ability to face adversity. By analyzing various case studies, you will understand best practices for fostering young children's mental health and well-being within the context of their family and community.
This course is unique in its focus on supporting the pivotal role of caregivers in a child's life. The goal of nurturing the caregivers is to equip them with the tools and skills they need to better support their children, thereby laying the groundwork for brighter, more prosperous futures.
Weekly field observations in infant/toddler and early childhood programs complement time spent in the classroom.