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Developmental Psychology Microcredentials

Microcredentials

Two  microcredentials related to child development are now available through Lakeland College.

Advanced Child Development Theory is an introduction to the terms, concepts and interventions for functional development in childhood. Critical Thinking in Development delves deeper into the topics covered in the advanced theory microcredential. As well, there's a focus on critical thinking skills and effective problem solving.

Both those microcredential options are aimed at two groups:

  1. Lakeland university transfer students who plan to go on to a graduate (master’s degree) in psychology, or occupational, speech or physical therapy and who need more hands-on experience.
  2. Parents of children with neurodevelopmental differences—including ADHD, autism and learning disabilities. The microcredentials will give them a better understanding of
    • functional and developmental concerns related to developmental disorders
    • theories behind common interventions used at home, in the community and in educational settings

The pilot project has 3 components:

  1. Advanced Child Development Theory runs in July.
  2. Critical Thinking in Development runs in August.
  3. An optional, 4-week practicum starts in fall 2025.

Classes will be evenings, in person on the Lloydminster campus or online. Bonnie Whitehead, a Lakeland psychology instructor, will teach the courses.

Each course is expected to be about $250.

Registration will be on our online continuing education platform. If you'd like to be added to our interest list, please fill in the form below.

For more information, please email Bonnie Whitehead.

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Course details

This course focuses on common childhood diagnoses, and their impact on childhood occupations.  Childhood occupations are daily activities including play, school and self-care. 

You'll be introduced to clinical and educational interventions used to support the functional (occupational) development of children.

For example, course topics include:

  • sensory processing differences and related impacts on children’s ability to engage in learning and developmental activities
  • learned helplessness and its impacts on self esteem
  • playfulness and its role in supporting a child's occupational development
  • Intervention approaches and techniques

You'll have a weekly video assignment related to a specific question, a literature review and two midterms.

People differ in how they do their day-to-day thinking.

Awareness of critical thinking patterns and tools is important for analyzing thinking. With that awareness you can improve your problem solving skills. 

There are 2 key components:

  • readings to further expand your knowledge regarding childhood development.
  • Lectures, activities, and assignments to hone your ability to use critical thinking criteria to confidently and effectively approach open-ended problems in child development.

Developing your reading skill and your understanding of research literature is one part of the course. As will be presentation skills.

Currently  the Lloydminster Public School Division and the Lloydminster Catholic School Division have confirmed practicum placements for fall 2025.