Understanding how children grow and develop is foundational to creating responsive, inclusive and developmentally appropriate early learning environments. Children develop across interconnected physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional domains, with individual pathways influenced by family, culture and environment.
BITTS International Career College’s Child Growth and Development short course introduces major developmental principles and theories, developmental milestones from infancy through approximately six years of age, and the biological, social and environmental factors influencing children’s learning and well-being.
Students explore physical and motor development, early brain development, cognitive learning, communication, attachment and social-emotional growth. Case studies and observation activities introduce objective documentation, developmental variation, inclusive practice, professional boundaries and approaches that support children’s strengths and interests.
Foundations of Child Growth and Development
Theories of Child Development
Infant, Toddler and Early Childhood Development
Physical, Motor and Brain Development
Cognitive Development and Learning
Language and Communication Development
Social, Emotional and Attachment Development
Family, Culture, Environment and Individual Differences
Observation, Developmental Variations and Inclusive Practice
Supporting Development in Early Learning Environments & Final Case Study
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or an applicable approved mature-student/alternative admission route
Sufficient English-language proficiency to understand course materials and complete assessments
Child development knowledge can complement learning and work in early learning, child care support, family services, recreation and community-based child-focused programs.
This foundational course may support continued education or professional development for individuals interested in child development. It does not, on its own, establish eligibility for regulated early childhood education positions.
Credential note: This standalone foundational course does not constitute an Early Childhood Assistant certificate or Early Childhood Education diploma and does not independently qualify learners for registration as a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE).
Delivery note: The Child Growth and Development outline permits online, in-person or approved blended delivery; the final website listing should reflect the delivery format BITTS actually offers.
Publishing note: Confirm current intake availability, admission policies and any applicable Ontario career-college program approval or exemption status before publication.
