Child Development & Hlth

Childhood and adolescence are critical windows of opportunity in human development to influence health, learning, and productivity throughout life. In the earliest years of childhood, survival, growth and development are interlinked; growth affects both the chances of survival and the child's development, and family care practices, resources and access to services influence all three. Adolescence is the second period of rapid growth when foundational learning associates with distinct neuro-maturational changes. Contributing to increased investment in the early years and adolescence are new demands related to changing economic, social, demographic, political and educational conditions. The course will focus on populations throughout their lifespan, thinking through child development and explaining why and how programs positively affect health outcomes. Students will understand the role of early child development programs (ECD) in the achievement of improved educational success and improved long-term health. The course will also explore adolescence through a developmental lens and the complex life events and social constructs that can influence adolescent behaviors. Through interactive lectures, small-group discussions and debates, and presentations by established guest speakers, students will learn to analyze programs and services, including how we can work with parents, support young children and adolescents in times of emergencies, and work within the healthcare system through a variety of hospital, community, school and family-based approaches to promote health and positive development.