This course is designed for students desiring a better understanding of children for reasons such as learning effective parenting skills, securing jobs in child care, becoming teachers or simply understanding children and appreciating their growth and development. The students will study the development of children from birth to age six, with emphasis on the three to five year-olds. The first semester will concentrate on theory, discussion, investigation and some observation. The second semester will offer practical experience with three through five year-olds in a Playschool lab. Students will participate in designing developmentally appropriate learning and play experiences for the children, will supervise and direct the children, and will observe and discuss the stages of child development. Students also participate in a weekend experience, with a computerized baby, in which they experience meeting the typical needs of an infant.