This course will build upon General Education coursework in Child Development, Human Exceptionality, and Educational Psychology. Teacher candidates will apply knowledge from these foundational courses, as well as prior courses on diversity, to understand how young children, birth through age eight, including children with special needs, develop and learn. This course will highlight a risk and resiliency perspective with a focus on protective factors assessed through intentional observations and screenings. Teacher candidates will apply theories of child development through formal and informal observations and in-depth child studies in inclusive classrooms. Emphasis will be made on fostering social and emotional development and developing resiliency. Teacher candidates will thoughtfully plan developmentally appropriate learning experiences to foster growth and connect with learning standards. Clinical classroom visits are required.