Online Class: Introduction to Child Psychology
-
11Lessons
-
12Exams &
Assignments -
4,770Students
have taken this course -
7Hours
average time -
0.7CEUs
-
Video Audit
Available
Course Description
Imagine being able to truly understand the way children think, feel, and perceive the world around them. Picture knowing how to approach a child who’s struggling with emotions or why a toddler asks "why" a hundred times a day. That’s the power of child psychology—a field that opens a window into the inner workings of a developing mind. This course isn’t just an academic exercise; it’s a journey that will transform the way you engage with children, whether you’re a parent, teacher, aspiring psychologist, or simply someone fascinated by the mysteries of child development.
From the moment you begin, you’ll be guided through the intricate world of childhood, starting with how the very concept of childhood has changed through history. Understanding this shift isn’t just a look at the past—it’s key to recognizing how today’s societal norms influence how we raise, teach, and interact with children. What we often take for granted in modern childhood, like structured education or the importance of play, wasn’t always considered essential. Gaining this perspective allows you to approach child development with fresh eyes, seeing both its universality and its cultural context.
As you delve deeper, you’ll explore the biological and neurological foundations of development—how genetics and early brain development influence everything from emotions to social interactions. Knowing the science behind a child’s growth equips you with the ability to recognize what is a normal part of development and what might signal the need for further attention or support. For instance, understanding how a child's brain processes emotions differently from an adult’s can help you respond more empathetically when they experience big feelings, like the grief over losing a pet or the frustration of not being understood.
The heart of the course reveals the major theories that have shaped our understanding of child psychology. You’ll travel through Piaget’s stages of cognitive development, where a child’s perception of reality changes dramatically as they grow. You’ll learn why a preschooler might think the moon follows them or why a teenager seems to test boundaries at every turn. Piaget’s work offers a roadmap for understanding how children think differently from adults, and once you see the world through their eyes, your approach to them will never be the same.
You’ll also encounter Vygotsky’s idea that social interaction is crucial for learning, emphasizing the powerful role that family, peers, and culture play in shaping a child’s mind. Through this lens, everyday conversations, playdates, and group activities become opportunities for immense learning, not just fun. And Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development will show you how trust, autonomy, and identity form the emotional backbone of a child’s growth. These theories aren’t just academic—they’re tools you’ll carry into every interaction, helping you nurture trust and foster independence in the children around you.
Language development is one of the most captivating parts of child psychology. Watching a child learn to speak—first in sounds, then in words, and eventually in full conversations—gives us insight into how deeply intertwined language is with thought. As you explore how children acquire language, you’ll understand why a toddler might say “I goed to the park” and how this represents a complex grasp of grammar, not a mistake. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to support children’s language growth, recognizing that every question, story, or new word brings them closer to understanding the world and their place in it.
Of course, one of the most enduring debates in psychology is the balance between nature and nurture. Is a child’s development primarily driven by genetics, or is it shaped by the environment they grow up in? You’ll dive into this discussion, enriched with modern research, to explore how these forces interact to create the individual. Whether it’s a child’s temperament, academic abilities, or emotional resilience, you’ll gain a balanced view of how biology and environment combine to mold the person they become.
Family dynamics also play a crucial role in shaping a child’s psychology. Whether it’s the bonds between siblings, the influence of parenting styles, or the impact of family changes like divorce, you’ll uncover how these relationships affect a child’s emotional and social development. You’ll learn how children internalize the stability, or lack thereof, in their home environment, and how parents can foster resilience and confidence through everyday interactions. This understanding gives you the tools to not only support children during times of change but also to strengthen family bonds that nurture healthy development.
By the time you reach the end of the course, the focus turns to practical applications. You’ll learn how psychologists assess children through behavioral inventories, intelligence tests, and emotional evaluations. This knowledge helps in identifying challenges early, ensuring children receive the support they need to thrive. Whether you’re an educator looking to support students with learning differences or a parent seeking insight into your child’s unique needs, these tools offer practical strategies for helping children reach their full potential.
This course is designed for anyone passionate about understanding children on a deeper level. You don’t need prior knowledge—just a desire to learn how to engage with children in a way that resonates with their developmental stage. Whether you want to be a better parent, a more empathetic teacher, or a professional working with children, this course will arm you with knowledge and strategies to make a lasting impact.
Course Lessons
Lesson 1. The Concept of Childhood
Childhood, a time often romanticized as one of innocence and carefree exploration, is a concept that has evolved significantly over centuries. While today’s society views childhood as a protected and crucial period of emotional, intellectual, and social development, this idea is relatively recent.Lesson 2. Early Biological Factors in Child Psychology
The journey of child psychology begins even before a child is born. Understanding how early biological factors shape an individual's psychological makeup is essential to fully appreciating child development. The prenatal period, with its complex stages of development, offers the first insight into how genetics, environmental influences, and maternal health combine to influence a child’s future.Lesson 3. Major Schools of Child Psychology
Child psychology is a vast field with multiple perspectives that explore the complex processes shaping the emotional, cognitive, and social development of children. Though the foundational principles of child psychology began emerging long ago, it was not until more modern times that it became a formal discipline.Lesson 4. Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development
Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development remains one of the most influential frameworks in understanding how children grow intellectually. Despite being a developmental biologist, Piaget’s meticulous observation of infants, children, and adolescents led him to a profound understanding of the stages of mental development that all humans navigate.Lesson 5. Vygotsky's Theory of Social Cognitive Development
Lev Vygotsky’s theory of social cognitive development transformed the understanding of how children acquire knowledge and develop higher mental functions. Vygotsky asserted that the key to intellectual growth lies in the child’s social environment.Lesson 6. Erikson's Eight Stages of Development
Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development remains a cornerstone in understanding the evolving emotional, social, and psychological growth of individuals across their entire lifespan. Unlike many developmental models that cease to focus on adulthood, Erikson’s theory suggests that development is a continuous process, spanning from infancy through old age.Lesson 7. Development of Language
This lesson focuses on the different stages of speech and language development.Lesson 8. Nature vs. Nurture
The debate between nature and nurture is one of the most enduring discussions in the fields of psychology and child development. At its core, it seeks to understand the relative contributions of genetics (nature) and the environment (nurture) in shaping a child’s personality, behavior, intelligence, and psychological well-being.Lesson 9. Family Dynamics and Child Psychology
Family dynamics are at the heart of child psychology, shaping every aspect of a child's emotional, cognitive, and social development. The environment a child is raised in, especially during their formative years, plays a critical role in determining how they interact with the world, form relationships, and develop their sense of identity.Lesson 10. Applied Child Psychology
This lesson focuses on the importance of providing an enriched and interactive environment to help a child develop positive self esteem.Lesson 11. Psychological Testing and Children
Psychological testing in children serves as a vital tool for diagnosing developmental, cognitive, and emotional issues that may otherwise go unnoticed. Unlike decades past, where psychological testing was routinely performed on children, today these tests are more selectively administered, typically when a specific concern arises or when parents, educators, or medical professionals suspect developmental delays or emotional difficulties.
Learning Outcomes
- Define what child psychology is.
- Recognize early biological factors in child psychology.
- Describe the major schools of child psychology.
- Summarize Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development.
- Summarize Vygotsky's Theory of Sociocognitive Development.
- Define Erikson's Eight Stages of Development.
- Describe the processes of the development of language.
- Define nurture.
- Summarize the affect of family dynamics on child psychology.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information
- Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
- Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
- Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
- View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
- Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Student Testimonials
- "He was very informative, full of good advice." -- Joyce S.
- "I loved the course, and instructor is well organized, expert, and helpful. Thank you" -- Golam G.
- "I believe that each chapter offered a great deal of information, and excellent links to get more material on the that chapter." -- Golam G.
Related Courses
- 8 hours 0.8 CEUs Assertiveness Training + More Info
- 12 hours 1.2 CEUs Serial Killers 101 + More Info
- 8 hours 0.8 CEUs Decision Making Skills + More Info
- 17 hours 1.7 CEUs Mixed Media Art + More Info
- 5 hours 0.5 CEUs Home Safety + More Info
- 6 hours 0.6 CEUs How To Coach Youth Basketball + More Info
- 9 hours 0.9 CEUs Watercolor Painting + More Info
- 5 hours 0.5 CEUs Critical Thinking Skills + More Info
- 7 hours 0.7 CEUs Solving Classroom Discipline Problems + More Info
- 8 hours 0.8 CEUs Procurement Management + More Info
- 5 hours 0.5 CEUs Workplace Safety + More Info
- 5 hours 0.5 CEUs Depression Management + More Info
- 9 hours 0.9 CEUs Relaxation 101 + More Info
- 15 hours 1.5 CEUs Sociology 101 + More Info
- 8 hours 0.8 CEUs Behavior Management 101 + More Info
- 5 hours 0.5 CEUs Building Children's Reading Skills + More Info
- 7 hours 0.7 CEUs Leadership Skills for Managers + More Info
- 9 hours 0.9 CEUs Introduction to Six Sigma + More Info
- 7 hours 0.7 CEUs Sensitivity Training for the Workplace + More Info
- 7 hours 0.7 CEUs How to Teach Reading Fundamentals + More Info
- 14 hours 1.4 CEUs Acrylic Painting + More Info
- 7 hours 0.7 CEUs Understanding Learning Styles + More Info
- 11 hours 1.1 CEUs Mediation 101 + More Info
- 6 hours 0.6 CEUs Etiquette Consultant + More Info
- 5 hours 0.5 CEUs Child Safety for Parents + More Info
- 7 hours 0.7 CEUs Lean Management + More Info
- 10 hours 1.0 CEUs Learning Disabilities + More Info
- 4 hours 0.4 CEUs Stress Management + More Info
- 5 hours 0.5 CEUs Building Self-Esteem in Children + More Info