Developmental Theory and CYC Practice with Children

Curriculum Guideline

Effective Date:
Course
Discontinued
No
Course Code
CYCC 3340
Descriptive
Developmental Theory and CYC Practice with Children
Department
Child and Youth Care
Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
Not Specified
PLAR
Yes
Semester Length
Flexible delivery ranging over 2 to 15 weeks
Max Class Size
35
Contact Hours
60 hours: Lecture
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Learning Activities
  • Lecture
  • Group work
  • Student presentations
  • Audiovisual presentations
  • Other
Course Description
This course focuses on developmental theory and clinical application with children. The content examines the history of eight contemporary theories and relevant implications in practice with children and their families. The context of the ecological model is used as a unifying construct for considering all work with children and families in community settings.
Course Content

 The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:

  • An understanding of the dominant theories of human growth and development of children is fundamental to professional child and youth care.
  • Child and youth care workers use theories of human growth and development in practice situations frequently. The ability to think critically about the theory they are using in a situation and the ability to apply more than one theory in a situation deepens the understanding of the child. Child and youth care workers may also be in situations where other professionals are applying developmental theory to practice. Being able to think critically about the theory being applied allows the child and youth care worker to participate in the discussion and offer alternate theories when required.
  • Human growth and development does not occur in a vacuum. Development is the result of the interaction between nature and nurture, genetics and the environment. An understanding of the ecological perspective is critical to effective child and youth care work.
  • Child and youth care workers are also developing human beings who will have their own perspectives on key developmental events in their own lives and in the lives of their siblings, peers and parents. As they develop their own understanding of significant developmental themes in their own lives, they will become clearer about the developmental growth and change of others.
  • Child and youth care workers write reports on the children with whom they work. These reports are read by other professionals and may be subpoenaed by the courts. It is critical that these reports be thoughtful and accurate and supports the best interests of the child. Similarly, child and youth care workers will participate in conferences on the children and youth. Effective, thoughtful, informed verbal communication is a significant professional skill.
  • Child and youth care practitioners work in teams, often several different teams, in the course of a work week. The ability to effectively participate in teams and discuss developmental issues in the lives of the children with whom they work, and to do so with professionals who may have different perspectives than those of the CYC practitioner, is a reality of professional life. Learning how to discuss ideas and remain focused on the best needs of the child is a challenge and a necessity.
Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Examine and apply prominent developmental theories to children, including:
    • educational theories
    • ethological theories
    • social learning theories
    • cognitive theories
    • humanistic theories
    • moral development theories
    • maturational theories
    • epigenetic theories
  2. Critically analyze the use of a theory in a practice situation with children
  3. Evaluate the ecological impact for client, family and community
    • describe the life of the child in the family, school, community and society
    • discuss sociological, political, cultural, religious and economic impacts on the development of children
  4. Evaluate her/his own individual role in child and youth development
    • reflect on and discuss verbally and in writing key personal developmental themes
    • discuss how individual personal developmental themes relate to work with children and youth
    • discuss themes of attachment, cognitive/psychosocial development, independence and the helping process
  5. Demonstrate effective communication skill, both written and verbal
  6. Demonstrate team work skills.
Means of Assessment

This course will conform to Douglas College policy regarding the number and weighting of evaluations. Typical means of evaluation would include a combination of:

  • Written research assignments
  • Case evaluation
  • Tests
  • Group presentations. 

This is a graded course.

Textbook Materials

TBA

Which Prerequisite