Upon successful completion of the learning experience, students will be able to: coordinate space, time, and materials to plan developmentally-appropriate experiences that encourage children’s play, exploration, and learning; articulate an understanding of the principles of child growth and development to serve as a foundation for working effectively with young children; design and implement a safe environment for young children and promote the development of safe practices; create a healthy environment and promote the development of good health habits; apply policies and practices needed to meet the nutritional needs of young children; design and implement strategies and techniques for providing a supportive environment in which children can develop self-control and interact positively with others; describe strategies for establishing and maintaining positive and productive relationships with families; identify the existence of possible special needs and make program adaptations to provide an appropriate program for all children; advocate for quality care in early childhood programs and take advantage of opportunities to improve competence, both for personal and professional growth and for the benefit of families and children; recognize ways to utilize community resources to assist children with diverse abilities, their families, and early care and education professionals; and interact with children with an awareness of the importance of respecting diversity in programs for young children.