ABOUT ME (THE INSTRUCTOR): My name is Dr. Nirisha Garimella (Dr. G). I am an associate faculty with the Department of Child Development at Collin College. I got my Master's in Child and Family Studies from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and my Ph.D. in Family Sciences from Texas Woman's University. I worked with preschoolers, young children and school age children in various capacities. I have a elementary school-age son, who keeps my husband and I happy and busy.

I am here to assist you in learning the content in this course. I encourage you to ask me questions about the content you are learning and the assignments as they come up.

ABOUT THE COURSE: This course is a blended course. Your lecture portion is online and the lab portion is in a face-to-face lab setting. You need to complete 16 hours of face-to-face lab observations in an approved location. Our course will give you valuable practical application through your direct participation with children in our lab assignments.
BUY TEXTBOOK: You will need to read the Beaty textbook located in the syllabus regularly and apply what you learned in various assignments throughout the semester.

COMMUNICATION: The best way to reach me is via Inbox (on the left side of your screen) in Canvas. I check this email regularly and will respond as soon as possible, usually within the hour but not more than 24 hours during the work week. It may take me longer during weekends and holidays. If you would like to talk to me, please email me to set up an appointment. I want to give you all the support and assistance you need to be successful in the course.
PACE OF COURSE: An important thing to remember is that this course is not “self-paced.” This means that you do not have the luxury of setting your own schedule for checking in, or deciding your own level of participation. You must work through each week’s assignments and submit work by the specified due dates. All work is due in Canvas by the date and time (CST zone) listed in Canvas.

Best of luck throughout the semester! I am really looking forward to getting to know you over the next few months.

Sincerely,

Dr. G