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Standard 1 Responsible Parenting Students will understand the decisions and responsibilities of parents. They will demonstrate content proficiency by: 1.1 Identifying parenting responsibilities; 1.2 Describing parenting skills that meet physical, emotional, social, and intellectual needs of the child; 1.3 Analyzing the major decisions and responsibilities of being a parent; and 1.4 Evaluating care-giving options. Standard 2 Studying and Understanding Children Students will understand the importance of studying the development of children and methods used in child development research. They will demonstrate content proficiency by: 2.1 Explaining the benefits of studying child development; 2.2 Using observation techniques to study children's behavior and interpret findings; 2.3 Reviewing the history of the study of child development; and 2.4 Identifying research methods used to collect data on children. Standard 3 Prenatal Development Students will understand the stages of pregnancy from conception through birth and the implications of the effects of the environment and heredity on the health and well-being of the child. They will demonstrate content proficiency by: 3.1 Summarizing the stages of prenatal development; 3.2 Analyzing the effects of prospective parents' nutrition, health, medical care, environment, and lifestyle on prenatal development; 3.3 Explaining factors related to at-risk pregnancies; 3.4 Analyzing how individuals are genetically unique; 3.5 Contrasting the effects of heredity and environment on prenatal development; 3.6 Examining the costs, ethics, and risks of such medical procedures as in vitro fertilization, amniocentesis, and prenatal surgery; 3.7 Describing and comparing the various methods of childbirth; and 3.8 Compiling a list of and evaluating community resources that provide information and assistance with prenatal care and family planning. Standard 4 Child Growth and Development Students will understand the stages of child growth and development from infancy through adolescence and the value of providing children with developmentally appropriate activities. They will demonstrate content proficiency by: 4.1 Identifying and comparing the commonly accepted areas and principles of child development; 4.2 Analyzing the stages of growth and development and selecting developmentally appropriate activities; 4.3 Analyzing the effects of heredity and environment on the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of children; 4.4 Listing factors that contribute to optimal development of children; and 4.5 Comparing various theories regarding human growth and development. Standard 5 Guidance and Discipline Students will understand the positive guidance and discipline techniques that promote feelings of self-worth as they apply to the developmental stages of children. They will demonstrate content proficiency by: 5.1 Defining self-worth; 5.2 Describing the relationship of a child's behavior to the commonly accepted principles of child growth and development; 5.3 Describing and comparing various approaches to child guidance and their effect on self-worth; 5.4 Analyzing techniques used to provide positive reinforcement with children in given situations and at various stages of development; 5.5 Describing communication techniques and assessing the effects of their use with the child; 5.6 Analyzing the relationship of guidance to the development of self-discipline; 5.7 Analyzing case studies that describe inappropriate behavior to determine possible causes and suggest solutions; and 5.8 Assessing the effectiveness of various guidance strategies in promoting self-worth and self-discipline in children. Standard 6 Child Abuse and Neglect Students will understand the factors that contribute to child abuse and neglect and the importance of helping abused and neglected children. They will demonstrate content proficiency by: 6.1 Describing factors that contribute to child abuse and neglect; 6.2 Identifying characteristics of the abused and the abuser; 6.3 Identifying agencies and programs that provide services for abused and neglected children; 6.4 Demonstrating knowledge of child abuse laws and reporting procedures; and 6.5 Investigating possible causes of abusive behavior and strategies that help in reducing child abuse and neglect. Standard 7 Health and Safety Students will understand the factors and practices that promote the health and safety of children. They will demonstrate content proficiency by: 7.1 Describing methods for maintaining the health and ensuring the safety of children; 7.2 Identifying common childhood illnesses and accidents; 7.3 Proposing practices and precautions that can be taken to prevent childhood illnesses and accidents; 7.4 Describing the relationship of a nutritionally balanced diet to optimum health; 7.5 Analyzing and applying sanitation practices to maintain the health of a child; 7.6 Investigating and selecting community agencies and resources that provide child health care services and information; 7.7 Using appropriate first-aid procedures for children; 7.8 Investigating and reporting on public laws that deal with the health and safety of children; 7.9 Evaluating a child's environment for health and safety factors and making recommendations for improvement; 7.10 Developing plans for emergencies and disasters; and 7.11 Planning a nutritionally balanced diet that is appropriate for a child. Standard 8 Learning, Play, and Recreation Students will understand the value and methods of providing infants, children, and adolescents with learning, play, and recreational activities. They will demonstrate content proficiency by: 8.1 Identifying and describing the purposes of play, learning, and recreational activities to the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of children and adolescents; 8.2 Identifying factors to consider when selecting and purchasing play, learning, and recreational materials; 8.3 Choosing or creating materials that are appropriate for the developmental levels of children; 8.4 Evaluating facilities, equipment, and materials that contribute to a child's development, such as toys, stories, games, play spaces, and materials, including computers and computer applications; 8.5 Describing the caregiver's role in learning, recreational, and play activities; 8.6 Describing the relationship of learning, play, and recreational activities to the commonly accepted principles of the development of children and adolescents; 8.7 Analyzing how the attainment of self-help skills such as hygiene, dressing, food preparation, and household chores contributes to a child's learning and self-concept; 8.8 Describing the relationship between the developmental level of children and the development of creativity; 8.9 Planning, conducting, and evaluating activities for creative development, such as art, music, and movement and dramatic play, suitable for children at various stages of development; and 8.10 Planning, conducting, and evaluating various learning, play, and recreational activities that enhance the physical development of children and adolescents. Standard 9 Cultural Diversity Students will understand the child-rearing traditions and customs of various cultures as those practices relate to children's behavior and learning and the importance of considering children's backgrounds when interacting with families and children. They will demonstrate content proficiency by: 9.1 Recognizing the roles and responsibilities of family members from various cultures; 9.2 Identifying the influence of culture on a child's behavior and learning; 9.3 Recommending appropriate strategies for providing for the needs of children from various cultures; and 9.4 Selecting bias-free materials and activities. Standard 10 Children with Special Needs Students will understand the contributions and considerations for the care of children with special needs, including children with physical and learning disabilities and gifted children, and ways in which those children's needs can be met to enhance self-concept and self-worth. They will demonstrate content proficiency by: 10.1 Defining the term children with special needs; 10.2 Identifying characteristics of children with special needs; 10.3 Discussing the importance of early identification of children with special needs; 10.4 Describing and analyzing strategies for helping children with special needs; 10.5 Identifying agencies and programs that provide services for children with special needs; and 10.6 Investigating equipment, techniques, and practices for helping children with special needs. Standard 11 Changes That Affect Children Students will understand how change affects infants, children, and adolescents and the importance of providing appropriate methods for adapting to change. They will demonstrate content proficiency by: 11.1 Identifying factors contributing to change in the lives of children and adolescents and ways in which they might respond to change; 11.2 Analyzing how changes and crises affect infants, children, and adolescents; 11.3 Explaining how various role models influence children's and adolescents' ability to cope; 11.4 Recommending appropriate strategies and resources that help children and adolescents in adapting to changes and crises; and 11.5 Explaining how changes in technology have an impact on children and adolescents and describing methods for helping them to adapt to those changes. Standard 12 Careers Related to Child Development and Education Students will understand careers related to child development and education. They will demonstrate content proficiency by: 12.1 Identifying characteristics of effective child development and education professionals; 12.2 Comparing personal interests, aptitudes, and abilities with those required in child development and education careers; 12.3 Evaluating career options related to child development and education, including labor market projections, educational requirements, job responsibilities, salary, benefits, employers' expectations, and working environment; and 12.4 Developing a career plan in child development and education that reflects upward career mobility and opportunities for entrepreneurship.