Leaders in Distance Learning

Professional Diploma in Childcare

Introduction

This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive basic knowledge of child development from pre-conception to seven years of age. The developmental stages of anatomy and physiology for each body system are presented as sequential processes to follow this timeline, thus facilitating understanding of the changes that occur during the physical and mental development of children.

The course deals with cognitive processes such as language and speech development, social skills, and behaviour. In addition, learning through play and interactive educational concepts are examined. The psycho-social issues, together with other external influences on development are included in order to enhance understanding of the factors affecting behaviour.

This course is aimed at those with a keen interest in the topic, and also for anyone wishing to work with children on a more formal basis.

There are 10 modules in the course, each with its own assignment. Upon completion of the course, students are required to pass a 5000 word extended essay.

Modules

1. Course introduction: genetics, embryology and foetal development
2. Developmental anatomy and physiology of the child: part 1
3. Developmental anatomy and physiology of the child: part 2
4. Developmental anatomy and physiology of the child: part 3
5. Developmental anatomy and physiology of the child: part 4
6. Birth and beyond: growth and care of the child
7. Language and speech development
8. The development of cognitive skills
9. Learning through play
10. Working with children and course collation

Module 1: Course introduction: genetics, embryology and foetal development

This module looks at the history of child development in brief. Genetics, inheritance and sex determination are examined and explained. Embryology and the development of the integumentary system are covered.

Module 2: Developmental anatomy and physiology of the child: part 1

This module looks at the development of the musculoskeletal system, including bone and muscle structure, function and growth. The module also deals with the development of the nervous system.

Module 3: Developmental anatomy and physiology of the child: part 2

This module deals with the development of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, including structure, function, pre and post natal circulation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Module 4: Developmental anatomy and physiology of the child: part 3

This module deals with the development of the gastrointestinal and renal systems.

Module 5: Developmental anatomy and physiology of the child: part 4

This module deals with the development of the reproductive, system, special senses and dentition.

Module 6: Birth and beyond: growth and care of the child

This module deals with the birth, how a child grows and develops. It also looks at nutrition, measurements and weight, together with childhood illness and vaccination programmes.

Module 7: Language and speech development

This module looks at how language and speech develops through categorization, memory storage and through copying.

Module 8: The development of cognitive skills

This module looks at cognitive structures, their development, and the resulting concepts. It also deals with relationships and interaction.

Module 9: Learning through play

Play is an integral part of child development. This module looks at why this is, and how structured play helps the mental and physical development processes.

Module 10: Working with children and course collation

This module looks at the practical aspects of working with children: responsibilities, legal requirements, first aid, appropriate levels of communication and recording etc.

Online Enrolment