Real World Parenting
Child Development: Day Care Worker Career Pathway Course Units
Unit 1: The World Of Parenting
To many people, raising a family is among the most profound, rewarding, and important endeavors in life. But what exactly does being a parent involve? What can a person expect to gain from parenting? How do we define success as a parent? In this unit, we will learn what the word “parent” really means. We’ll also learn the reasons people decide to become parents and the qualities of good parents. We will examine what is required to be considered a successful parent. Finally, we will discuss when a person is or is not ready to become a parent.
Unit 2: Self-Esteem & Child Development
We hear a lot about self-esteem. Nearly everyone seems to agree that self-esteem is an important component of a happy and productive life. Most parents want their children to have a high level of self-esteem. But what exactly is self-esteem? What factors cause a person to have high self-esteem or low self-esteem? As a parent, what role do you have in determining your child’s level of self-esteem? In this unit, we will learn what self-esteem is. We will learn how children develop their self-esteem as they grow and develop, and we will learn how parents contribute to this process.
Unit 3: Environments for Children
Perhaps the most important responsibility of parenting is providing a nurturing environment for your child to grow up in. But what exactly is a nurturing environment? What can parents do to make sure that children are properly nurtured? What types of care are needed at different age levels? How can parents protect children from threats they might encounter outside of the home?
Unit 4: Positive Parenting
Two of the primary roles of parents are to teach their children how to take care of themselves and to teach their children to live as productive members of society. Positive parenting is one approach to parenting that can help parents teach their children in a positive and empowering manner. Through the use of expectations, positive communication, and appropriate consequences, parents can encourage appropriate behavior while effectively handling inappropriate behavior.
Unit 6: The Diversity of Today’s Family Unit
Who is in your family? Around the world, families come in many different forms. In different time periods and cultures, the needs of the family influence family composition and the surrounding society influence as well. Each family form has advantages and disadvantages to which parents and other family members must respond. Culture also influences families in a variety of ways, shaping the values and practices by which they live. Unfortunately, individuals from one culture may find themselves facing stereotypes and cultural bias when they move to an area with a different dominant culture.
Unit 7: Leadership & Organizational Skills
Youth organizations exist around the world to help provide support and opportunities for children and young people. Along with parents, youth organizations can help individuals develop different areas of their lives, learn new skills, and help their communities. In this unit, we will examine the benefits of youth organizations and volunteering. We will also discuss self-development and why this is important for children and young adults. Finally, we will look at how parents can help their children achieve greater self-development and growth as they grow up.
Unit 8: Trends and Science in Parenting
Over the past several decades, technology has played an increasing role in the family. While technology and the media often receive negative attention, there are many ways in which technology is transforming family life for the better. In this unit, we will first examine recent research on children’s brain development and how parents can encourage positive development. We will discuss some technological advances that parents can use to help them parent in today’s world. We will also look at some of the assistive technology that children with physical limitations or learning disorders use to improve their quality of life and make everyday tasks easier.