Students will be able to: identify safety hazards in and around the child care setting; list characteristics of common childhood illnesses; describe universal precautions/infection control; explain rest and relaxation techniques and the importance of nutritionally balanced meals and snacks; identify indicators and reporting procedures involving child abuse/neglect; explain cognitive development stages and how they correlate to social, emotional, and physical development; give examples of cognitive development; describe equipment and activities that promote cognitive development; list learning opportunities and conditions that develop creative/critical thinking; recognize factors that impact brain development; identify important theories involving cognitive development; describe the stages of language development; describe strategies to encourage expressive and receptive language; list materials that encourage and support literacy skills; demonstrate effective literacy strategies; list various methods of story presentation; describe the factors affecting language development; explain the stages of fine and gross motor development; recognize the factors that impact physical development; describe strategies and conditions that encourage physical development; select age-appropriate indoor and outdoor play equipment and activities for physical development; describe the effects of play on children's physical development; explain how physical development correlates to social, emotional and cognitive development; discuss teaching techniques that encourage the development of positive self-concept; describe the stages of social and emotional development of children; recognize the factors that impact social and emotional development; discuss caregiving techniques that develop appropriate social skills; identify positive techniques for conflict resolution and mediation; list strategies to promote self-help skills; describe the importance of cooperative relationships with families; identify methods of family involvement; describe the components of effective school and home communication; list observation purposes and techniques; observe and record children's developmental learning; communicate and interpret observation results; identify career-related skills and employment opportunities and resources for professional development; recognize the need for self-assessment for continued professional growth; explain the role of a child advocate; identify the importance and legal mandates of confidentiality; exhibit appropriate characteristics in an educational team setting; apply the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct to professional practice; arrange age-appropriate classroom environment; prepare and maintain materials and equipment storage; develop a balanced daily schedule and effective lesson plans; describe a variety of transition-time activities; recognize laws and regulations that pertain to licensing; identify record keeping and clerical functions in a child care setting; list strategies for facilitating and displaying/presenting creative products; identify appropriate materials and equipment that encourage creative development; explain sensory activities and supporting materials; identify components of a diverse/multicultural curriculum; describe ways to incorporate children's home language and traditions; identify concerns and basic rights of special needs children; describe how to adapt the learning environment to accommodate special needs; identify various forms of communication; demonstrate positive adult-child communication; and identify positive guidance techniques. Performance Component: Demonstrate Washing of Caregiver's Hands (20%), Introduction Activity (20%), Story Presentation (25%), Gross Motor Stretching Activity (20%), and Closure Activity (15%).