Childhood Development for Educators in Elementary Classrooms

from $590.00

NEW COURSE for Summer 2026: July 6 - August 14

Course Description

This course explores the principles of child development and their application within elementary classroom settings. Emphasis is placed on the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and language development of children from early childhood through late elementary school. Students will examine major developmental theories and analyze how developmental processes influence learning, behavior, motivation, and peer relationships in school contexts. The course also addresses diversity, family and community influences, inclusive practices, and strategies for creating supportive and developmentally appropriate learning environments. Through case studies, classroom applications, and reflective practice, students will connect developmental research to effective elementary teaching practices. Conducted in English.

Course Objectives 

By the end of this course, participants will have the opportunity to:

  1. Explain major theories and principles of child development relevant to elementary education.

  2. Analyze the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and language development of children across the elementary years.

  3. Apply developmental knowledge to create age-appropriate instructional strategies and classroom environments.

  4. Identify factors that influence children’s learning and behavior, including family, culture, community, and socioeconomic contexts.

  5. Demonstrate culturally responsive and inclusive practices that support diverse learners in elementary classrooms.

  6. Evaluate common developmental and behavioral challenges and propose appropriate classroom interventions and supports.

  7. Use observational and reflective practices to better understand child behavior, learning needs, and classroom interactions.

  8. Collaborate with families, school personnel, and community resources to promote children’s academic and social-emotional development.

What Participants Are Saying About This Course

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Course Delivery

Instructor-Facilitated

  • Online asynchronous (no live sessions) coursework 

  • Weekly learning modules to complete at your own pace

  • Collaborative discussion boards

  • Instructor feedback

  • Optional office hours with the instructor for additional support

Students in an instructor-facilitated course must adhere to the session start and end dates listed on the website. Final coursework must be submitted within one week after the course end date. Course extensions beyond one week are subject to a $50 fee.

Course Access Information

Your Idioma Schoology course invitation will be emailed one week prior to the start of an instructor-facilitated 6-week course. You may access the Idioma Schoology login from the Login > Idioma Schoology Login dropdown menu at www.idiomaconsulting.com.

Required Text

There is no required textbook for this course. All materials are digital and will be provided in the online course.

About the Instructor

Mellissia Walles, Instructor. Read more about Mellissia here.

Click here to request a syllabus.

Session:
Credit Option:

NEW COURSE for Summer 2026: July 6 - August 14

Course Description

This course explores the principles of child development and their application within elementary classroom settings. Emphasis is placed on the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and language development of children from early childhood through late elementary school. Students will examine major developmental theories and analyze how developmental processes influence learning, behavior, motivation, and peer relationships in school contexts. The course also addresses diversity, family and community influences, inclusive practices, and strategies for creating supportive and developmentally appropriate learning environments. Through case studies, classroom applications, and reflective practice, students will connect developmental research to effective elementary teaching practices. Conducted in English.

Course Objectives 

By the end of this course, participants will have the opportunity to:

  1. Explain major theories and principles of child development relevant to elementary education.

  2. Analyze the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and language development of children across the elementary years.

  3. Apply developmental knowledge to create age-appropriate instructional strategies and classroom environments.

  4. Identify factors that influence children’s learning and behavior, including family, culture, community, and socioeconomic contexts.

  5. Demonstrate culturally responsive and inclusive practices that support diverse learners in elementary classrooms.

  6. Evaluate common developmental and behavioral challenges and propose appropriate classroom interventions and supports.

  7. Use observational and reflective practices to better understand child behavior, learning needs, and classroom interactions.

  8. Collaborate with families, school personnel, and community resources to promote children’s academic and social-emotional development.

What Participants Are Saying About This Course

Be the first to share your thoughts!

Course Delivery

Instructor-Facilitated

  • Online asynchronous (no live sessions) coursework 

  • Weekly learning modules to complete at your own pace

  • Collaborative discussion boards

  • Instructor feedback

  • Optional office hours with the instructor for additional support

Students in an instructor-facilitated course must adhere to the session start and end dates listed on the website. Final coursework must be submitted within one week after the course end date. Course extensions beyond one week are subject to a $50 fee.

Course Access Information

Your Idioma Schoology course invitation will be emailed one week prior to the start of an instructor-facilitated 6-week course. You may access the Idioma Schoology login from the Login > Idioma Schoology Login dropdown menu at www.idiomaconsulting.com.

Required Text

There is no required textbook for this course. All materials are digital and will be provided in the online course.

About the Instructor

Mellissia Walles, Instructor. Read more about Mellissia here.

Click here to request a syllabus.

Credit Options

Not sure which credit option to choose?  Learn more about each credit option here and review your state/district requirements.

45 Professional Development/Clock Hours: $590

  • Idioma Professional Development Certificate (accepted by most states)

  • Approved Illinois CPDU Certificate through partnership with CEII

  • Approved Massachusetts PDP Certificate

  • Approved New York CTLE Certificate

  • Approved Pennsylvania ACT48 Certificate

  • Approved Texas CPE Certificate

  • Approved Montana PDU Certificate

3 Graduate-Level Credits

While the graduate credits and professional development hours earned may be used for salary advancement, degree completion and state licensing requirements, Idioma does not provide assurance that any state licensing board or school district will accept these credits or hours for those purposes. Participants are advised to check with the appropriate agencies and gain approval prior to registering. An official university transcript is available upon successful completion of coursework through the selected university from which the participant chooses to receive credit. Participants who complete the course for graduate-level credit will receive an email with instructions on how to request an official university transcript.