Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: recall characteristics of child development and activities that promote growth and learning; recognize elements of a developmentally appropriate classroom and effective curriculum practices; identify and utilize best practices and strategies for observing and assessing young children’s development; recognize appropriate positive guidance strategies and the benefits of implementing positive guidance; identify common hazards and strategies for maintaining a safe and healthy environment; identify practices that ensure safe and healthy food service and promote healthy eating habits in young children; recall strategies for creating an inclusive learning environment for all children and families; recognize signs of child abuse and neglect and recall reporting requirements when child abuse is suspected; identify regulations and legal requirements that relate to operating a child care center; identify key considerations for developing a child care center philosophy and mission and vision statements; recognize leadership practices that promote efficiency, teamwork, and effective communication; identify strategies, requirements and best practices for hiring, training, and retaining employees; identify effective communication strategies with employees and families; define and identify key elements of a child care center budget; identify effective marketing tools and strategies for child care centers; identify various forms of child advocacy and community resources that support healthy child development; recognize recommended strategies for building relationships with families and promoting family involvement; and demonstrate competence in key elements of child care center management.