If you’re working with young children or planning to, understanding how children evolve — socially, physically and intellectually — is vital. The Child Growth & Development course at Laguna Technical College is designed around exactly this: to help adult learners build knowledge and skills you can apply with children from birth up to age eleven.

What the course covers

According to the program page, participants are trained to work with children (normally up to 5 years of age) in care or developmental settings, through activities designed to promote social, physical and intellectual growth so they are better prepared for the next stage of learning.
The syllabus addresses three core domains: psychosocial growth, cognitive development and biosocial development across ages birth through eleven.
The structure of the course (according to the 2024 catalogue) includes: lecture (15 hours), independent study (30 hours) and an externship (45 hours) for a total of 90 clock hours.
Delivery mode includes classroom or hybrid instruction depending on the session.

Why this matters

When children move through early years, their growth is rapid and often invisible. The patterns of how they learn language, how they play, how they interact with peers, how they handle emotions – all of these shape later success. A course like this helps you spot and support children’s milestones: what’s typical, what needs more attention, how to create an environment that supports each child.
If you’re responsible for care, early learning settings, or supervising young children, being equipped with these insights means you’re more prepared — you’re less reacting and more guiding.

Who should consider this course

• Individuals working in day-care, preschool or early learning programmes who want to refine their understanding of child growth and development.
• People who supervise or coordinate care settings and need to build deeper knowledge and skills in child development practice.
• Caregivers, assistants, or staff in early childhood settings seeking a specific module to focus on growth and development in young children.
• Learners who prefer modular learning (this course is delivered in modules of 3.0 units / 90 hours) and want focused training rather than a long-term programme. 

What you’ll gain

By completing this course you can expect to:

• Gain knowledge of the foundational ideas of growth and development in children: how kids change in body, mind and relationships.
• Learn how to observe, record and interpret children’s behaviour in a development-focused way.
• Understand how to apply development theory into practice: creating activities, managing routines, supporting transitions, designing a growth-friendly environment.
• Improve your ability to support children’s progress through early years with more confidence, by using real-world tools and frameworks rather than just intuition.

Things to check or ask

• Confirm what delivery mode is offered for your country/time zone (this College offers online, hybrid and classroom formats).
• Ask about the externship/field component: where you’ll complete it, what “hands-on” means in your location, and how supervision is handled. The course listing mentions externship hours.
• Look at cost, module schedule, payment terms: the 2024 catalogue lists a registration fee ($125) + tuition ($225) for total charges of $350 for one module.
• Since this module is part of a series, check how it fits into your wider aims: if you’re building a set of modules or looking for a full career path.
• Consider how the learning will map to your region or setting: different countries have different regulations, licensing, or practice norms.

FAQs

Q1: What is the “Child Growth & Development” module about?
A: It’s a focused course on how children grow socially, physically and intellectually, especially from birth to around age eleven. It covers theories of development, practical strategies for supporting children’s learning and growth, and emphasizes application in real settings.

Q2: How long does it take and how many hours are involved?
A: Per the 2024 catalogue, this course involves 90 clock hours (15 lecture hours + 30 independent study hours + 45 externship hours) and is credited as “3 units”.

Q3: Where can I complete this course?
A: The institution (Laguna Technical College) offers it online, hybrid or classroom format. Delivery depends on the session and student’s situation.

Q4: What will I be able to do after finishing this module?
A: You’ll be better positioned to observe and support children’s growth across key domains; design and implement activities that support development; work effectively with children in early learning settings; and support families and caregivers with developmental understanding.

Q5: If I live outside the U.S., will this be useful for me?
A: Yes — the core knowledge and skills are broadly applicable (understanding growth, planning supportive environments, observing children). But you should check how this module fits into local practice, regulations or recognition in your country or region.