Teaching & Child Development Pathway

Child Development 1

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

One Semester - ½ credit

The focus of the course includes the development of the child from conception through preschool age evaluating their physical, intellectual, emotional and social growth. Other units include guidelines for creating safe environments, guidance/discipline techniques, and career exploration. Students participate in experiences including a care taker simulation project using “Baby Think it Over” and the Empathy Belly. Upon completion of the class, students are able to differentiate between the developmental stages of newborn through preschool age. Students are introduced to Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) which is the co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) associated with Family & Consumer Sciences (FACS).

Careers include: Child Care Provider, Teacher, Pediatrician, Nurse, Doctor, Parent, First Responders, & Social Worker.


Child Development 2

Grades 11, 12

One Semester - 1 credit (Two period course)

Prerequisite: "C" average in Child Development I, or by teacher recommendation.

*Weighted course

This course is a two-period course (taken in one semester) that examines children from age 3 through 5 evaluating their physical, intellectual, emotional and social growth. Students are responsible for running Holt's Hut, our onsite preschool program. Units of study include development of the preschool child, ethics in child development careers, developing developmentally appropriate activities, interacting with children, quality child care programs, health concerns at developmental stages, and career exploration. Placement in this course is selective. and regular attendance is mandatory to complete the laboratory portion of the class successfully.

Careers include: Teacher, Child Care Provider, Pediatrician, Nurse, Doctor, Parent, Dietician, Social Worker, and Psychologists.


Pathways to Careers in Teaching

Grades 11,12

One semester - 1 credit (Two Period Course)

Prerequisite: Child Development 1 and 2 is suggested for elementary teachers but NOT REQUIRED

*Weighted course

This class is designed for students who are seriously considering a profession in elementary and/or secondary teaching or as a corporate educator. Each student is assigned to a district school within the high school attendance boundaries. Cadet teachers keep daily logs, weekly journals, prepare and present a lesson(s) and work closely with the students of the assigned supervising teacher. Students demonstrate good moral character, good work habits, responsibility, punctuality, and organizational skills. Participation in FCCLA (Family, Career, Community, Leaders of America) is required. Students will complete the end of course Exam - Industry Recognized Certification (IRC) test upon completion of this course.

Careers include: Teaching at all levels

Dual Credit Option:

3 hours of college credit is available through Central Missouri State University.

Classroom & Field Trip Pictures

Caretaking the Reality Works computer babies

Games to understand how childrens' brains develop

Pathway to Careers in Teaching Cadet Teacher

Holt's Hut Preschool visiting with guest speaker