Program Overview

Early Childhood: Typical & Atypical Development

The Early Childhood: Typical & Atypical Development program is designed to cover development during the first six years of life and research-based best practices in early learning. This program emphasizes individual differences, cultural influences, and the impact of developmental delay and disability.

Program Details

• Instructor: Marrea Winnega, Ph.D.
• Grading Method: Letter (Letter)
• Credits: 3
• Department: EDUC (2000)
• Academic Level: K-12 Professionals
• Start/End Dates: 01/12/2026 - 05/08/2026
• Register By: 04/17/2026
• Term: Spring 2026
• Location: Online
• Instruction Mode: Internet Asynchronous (online class)
• Cost: $300

Description

This interactive distance-learning course covers typical development from the prenatal stage to middle childhood, with an emphasis on individual differences, cultural influences, and the impact of developmental delay and disability. The course also includes information about instructional technology (IT) and assistive technology (AT) applications for this population.

Syllabus, Objectives, and Outcomes

Syllabus

The course must be completed and submitted by May 8, 2026.

Objectives

You will:

• Understand basic principles of growth and the foundation of development from conception through 8 years, including genetic and environmental influences.
• Identify the historical roots, common research practices, and prominent child development theorists and theories.
• Describe sequences, characteristics, and concepts of development in the domains of motor and perceptual, cognitive and communication, and social and emotional development for each stage.
• Explain individual and cultural differences in child development and socialization.
• Examine how to create environments, programming, and interactions that support the development of young children, including those with special needs, individually and in groups.
• Recognize and find professional resources on the typical and atypical development and needs of children prenatal8 years.

Materials

Title: Early Childhood: Typical & Atypical Development, Dr. Marrea Winnega & Darcie Donegan