Advance Your Career with Early Childhood Education Online Courses

200+ Courses CEU Approved Available in English, Spanish and soon French

Click the logo above to learn of your states approval

Online Child Development Courses

Child development is the cornerstone of effective early childhood education. Our Child Development (CD) course category provides a deep dive into how infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children grow across physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains. With 20 specialized courses, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of developmental milestones, brain architecture, individual learning differences, and the powerful role of environments and relationships. Designed for educators, caregivers, and child‐focused professionals, these online child development classes equip you with evidence-based strategies to nurture each child’s unique journey toward lifelong success.

Why child development courses Matters

Holistic Growth Foundations

A strong grasp of how children develop physically, mentally, and emotionally empowers you to create learning experiences that align with their natural progression. From soothing an infant’s startle reflex to guiding a school-age child’s problem-solving, understanding development ensures every activity is purpose-driven and supportive.

Early Intervention & Differentiation

Recognizing delays or advanced skills early allows for timely interventions and enrichment. Whether a toddler’s language is emerging more slowly or a kindergartner exhibits exceptional reasoning, our courses help you tailor supports that close gaps and foster strengths.

Enhanced Family Partnerships

When educators speak the language of development, they can translate observations into clear, actionable insights for families. This shared understanding builds trust, aligns home-school strategies, and creates a unified approach to supporting each child.

Optimized Learning Environments

From classroom layout to toy selection, every environmental choice can either scaffold or hinder growth. Our courses guide you in designing spaces that invite exploration, encourage social interaction, and support safe risk-taking—all critical for healthy development.

CEU-Approved, Competency-Based

Each Child Development course is state-approved for Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Complete modules at your own pace, earn downloadable child development certificate, and maintain a secure, digital record of your professional growth.

Core Competencies You’ll Develop

  • Milestone Mastery: Identify age-appropriate gross and fine motor, language, and social-emotional milestones from birth through age 12.

     

  • Brain Development Insights: Explore neural plasticity, critical periods, and how early experiences shape lifelong learning pathways.

     

  • Individualized Strategies: Differentiate instruction and care based on temperament, culture, neurodiversity, and family context.

     

  • Environment Design: Craft indoor and outdoor settings that stimulate curiosity, encourage problem-solving, and foster independence.

     

  • Family Engagement: Communicate developmental progress and collaborate on goal-setting and at-home reinforcement techniques.

     

  • Assessment & Observation: Utilize tools like developmental checklists, observation logs, and screening instruments to inform practice.

Detailed Overview of Our 20 Child Development Courses

Child Development: Infants

Examine growth from birth to 12 months—sensory engagement, attachment bonds, and responsive caregiving practices.

  • Hours: 1 | CEUs: 0.1 | Price: $10

Child Development: Toddlers

Explore autonomy and emerging communication in 1–3 year-olds, focusing on language bursts, parallel play, and self-help skills.

  • Hours: 1 | CEUs: 0.1 | Price: $10

Child Development: Preschool

Support 3–5 year-olds’ creativity, early literacy, and social problem-solving through play-based learning and scaffolded activities.

  • Hours: 1 | CEUs: 0.1 | Price: $10

Child Development: School Age

Address 6–12 year-olds’ executive function, peer relationships, and academic readiness with strategies for structured exploration and teamwork.

  • Hours: 1 | CEUs: 0.1 | Price: $10

Child Motor Skill Development

Delve into gross vs. fine motor progression, integrating movement-rich environments and sensory-motor play for all ages.

  • Hours: 2 | CEUs: 0.2 | Price: $20

Creating an Optimal Environment for Children’s Development

Design spaces—classroom layouts, learning centers, and outdoor areas—that promote cognitive growth and emotional security.

  • Hours: 2 | CEUs: 0.2 | Price: $20

Designing Developmentally Appropriate Toys and Activities

Learn criteria for selecting or crafting materials that align with children’s interests, abilities, and stage-specific needs.

  • Hours: 3 | CEUs: 0.3 | Price: $30

Introducing Developmentally Appropriate Literature to Young Children

Explore story selection, read-aloud techniques, and interactive storytelling that ignite language skills and imagination.

  • Hours: 3 | CEUs: 0.3 | Price: $30

Smooth Transitions: Navigating Transition Times

Implement songs, visual cues, and movement games to ease children between activities, reducing downtime and misbehavior.

  • Hours: 2 | CEUs: 0.2 | Price: $20

Social and Emotional Skill Building

Build empathy, self-awareness, and peer collaboration through emotion-sharing circles, role-play, and cooperative projects.

  • Hours: 3 | CEUs: 0.3 | Price: $30

Understanding Child Development Theories

Review landmark theorists—Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson—and apply their principles to modern early learning contexts.

  • Hours: 2 | CEUs: 0.2 | Price: $20

Understanding Child Development: A Holistic Approach

Examine genetic, environmental, and cultural influences on development, and craft practices that honor the “whole child.”

  • Hours: 2 | CEUs: 0.2 | Price: $20

Working with 6 Weeks to 12 Months

Strategies for safety, feeding, sleep routines, and responsive interactions during the crucial first year.

  • Hours: 2 | CEUs: 0.2 | Price: $20

Working with 12–24 Month-Olds

Focus on toilet learning, language emergence, and safe exploration protocols for rapid-growth toddlers.

  • Hours: 2 | CEUs: 0.2 | Price: $20

Working with 2-Year-Old Children

Balance autonomy and guidance: health, hygiene, and environment organization tailored to two-year-olds’ unique needs.

  • Hours: 2 | CEUs: 0.2 | Price: $20

Working with 3 and 4-Year-Old Children

Cultivate early literacy, cooperative play, and self-regulation strategies for preschool-age learners.

  • Hours: 2 | CEUs: 0.2 | Price: $20

Working with Children: Infants (Detailed)

Deep-dive into sensory development, attachment styles, and caregiver-infant communication techniques.

  • Hours: 2 | CEUs: 0.2 | Price: $20

Working with Children: Toddlers (Detailed)

Expanded focus on emotional outbursts, emerging social interactions, and supportive routines.

  • Hours: 2 | CEUs: 0.2 | Price: $20

Working with School-Age Children

Practical guidance on homework support, peer mentoring, and fostering independent learning habits.

  • Hours: 2 | CEUs: 0.2 | Price: $20

Friendship Development

Although listed under Child Behavior, this module reinforces social connections through play strategies applicable at every developmental stage.

  • Hours: 1 | CEUs: 0.1 | Price: $10

Ready to elevate your childcare expertise to the next level?

Enroll at ECE University today and advance your career with convenient, affordable, and state-approved online child development courses. Contact us now to find the perfect course for your professional journey!

Why Choose ECE University?

ECE University is your one-stop for high quality, highly engaging, realistic ECE courses.  Giving you retainable learning, CEU and easy to use interface that actually gives a better experience to learn on smart devices.

Key Features & Benefits

  • Research-Backed Content: Each course integrates the latest findings in developmental psychology and neuroscience.

     

  • Engaging, Multimedia Learning: Animations, interactive scenarios, and downloadable quick-reference guides enhance retention.

     

  • Flexible Delivery: Access course materials on any device, study at your own pace, and revisit modules as needed.

     

  • Digital Certificate Storage: Seamlessly download and archive your CEU certificates in your secure account.

     

  • Cost-Effective Professional Growth: Invest in high-quality, state-approved training priced 10–15% below industry averages.

     

  • Bilingual Support: Select modules available in English and Spanish to meet diverse learner needs.

     

  • Satisfaction Guarantee: Dedicated support team ensures your learning experience meets—or exceeds—your expectations.

Click for Course Syllabus

How to Enroll

  1. Explore & Preview: Browse the 20 Child Development courses above and click “Preview Course” for detailed syllabi.

  2. Add to Cart: Choose individual courses or bundle options to maximize CEUs and savings.

  3. Complete Modules: Engage with videos, readings, and knowledge checks; track your progress via the dashboard.

  4. Download Certificates: Immediately access state-approved CEU certificates—store, print, or share as needed.

FAQs: Child Development (CD) Courses

Most states mandate 10–20 CEUs per renewal cycle. Our courses range from 0.1 to 0.3 CEUs each, allowing you to tailor your learning plan.

Many licensing boards accept our CEU certificates. Always verify with your state registry to ensure alignment with specific requirements.

 Yes—foundational modules on milestones and theories complement advanced courses on environment design and differentiation.

Online child development courses are web-based; simply use a modern browser—no special downloads or plugins required.

 

 

🎉 Claim Your Free 1-Hour CEU Course!

Get your free accredited course, earn 1 CEU hour, and receive your certificate — 100% free for new users!

Claim My Free Course Now

 

 

 

🎉 Claim Your Free 1-Hour CEU Course!

Get your free accredited course, earn 1 CEU hour, and receive your certificate — 100% free for new users!

Claim My Free Course Now