(replaces but does not equate to ECHS 1540) This course focuses on the growth and development of infants and toddlers as it relates to planning authentic learning opportunities and developmentally appropriate environments. Theories of development (social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and language) provide the foundation of knowledge necessary to support young children through observation, assessment, and curriculum planning. Because children are viewed in the context of family, culture, and community, and cognition is directly influenced by social connections, students will learn appropriate caregiving strategies and how to support and empower families through respectful and reciprocal relationships. Students will complete 30 hours of field experiences observing in an infant/toddler early childhood environment. (Effective with the 2025-26 catalog, the required number of field hours observing and practicing in early learning settings with infants/toddlers was reduced from 30 to 20, as the remaining 10 hours are accounted for in other coursework within the program.) (4 billable contact hrs)