This course focuses on human development from birth through adolescence. Emphasis is placed on theories of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development, the effect of heredity and the environment, the role of caregivers and the family, health and safety concerns, and contemporary issues. Students explore special challenges to growth and development. Students will have the opportunities for guided observation of children from birth through adolescence in a variety of settings to help students further understand theories of human development. Students will begin to develop the components of a working portfolio to be assemble upon competition of the internship.