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Developmental Psychology Microcredentials

Microcredentials

Contact Us

Developmental Psychology Microcredentials
Bonnie Whitehead
 bonnie.whitehead@lakelandcollege.ca
 

Dive into development

Through Lakeland College, two microcredentials related to child development are available to you.

These microcredentials are aimed at two groups:

Lakeland University Transfer students

If you're planning to go on to a graduate (master's degree) in psychology, or occupational, speech or physical therapy and/or need more hands-on experience.

Parents of children with neurodevelopmental differences

If you have a child with a neurodevelopmental difference including ADHD, autism and learning disabilities, these microcredentials will give you 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 setting

Course details

This pilot project has 3 components.

  • 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.
  • An optional, 4-week student practicum.

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.

Cost: Approx. $250

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.

Cost: Approx. $250

Previously, the Lloydminster Public School Division and the Lloydminster Catholic School Division offered practicum placements in fall 2025.

Stay tuned for information for practicum placements in spring 2027.

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

Registration

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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The personal information provided is collected by Section 4(c) of Alberta’s Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) and will be protected under Section 10. The personal information collected through the Developmental Psychology Microcredentials Interest Form will be used and disclosed by Lakeland College for the purpose of communicating information to you about our developmental psychology microcredentials and courses. For questions about the collection of personal information, contact the University Transfer department at universitytransfer@lakelandcollege.ca.