Prerequisites: None
Grade: 9-12
Credit: One semester, (1) credit
Addresses the knowledge skills, attitudes, and behaviors associated with supporting and promoting optimal growth and development of infants and children. A project-based approach that utilizes high order thinking, communication, leadership, and management process is recommended in order to integrate suggested topics into the study of individual and family issues. The focus is on research-based nurturing and parenting practices and skills that support positive development of children. Topics include consideration of the roles, responsibilities and challengers of parenthood; human sexuality; adolescent pregnancy; prenatal development; preparation for birth; the birth process; meeting the physical, social, emotional, intellectual, moral, and cultural growth and developmental need of infants and children; impacts of heredity, environment, and family and societal crisis on development of the child; meeting children's needs for food, clothing, shelter, and care giving; care for children with special needs; parental resources, services, and agencies; and career awareness. Applications through authentic settings such as volunteer experiences, internship, and service learning are encouraged.