Advanced Certificate in Childcare

Module 1: Child Psychology

1. Introduction to Child Psychology
2. The Newborn Infant
3. States and Senses of the Infant
4. Learning
5. Emotions and Socialisation
6. Cognitive Development
7. Language Development
8. Intelligence
9. Socialisation - Part A
10. Morality
11. Sexuality
12. Socialisation - Part B

This module aims to help you learn how to think critically, make observations of behaviour and better understand how genetic and environmental factors can influence a child’s development. You will explore the different personalities of children and learn how best to adapt the way you interact and teach based on them. Discover if intelligence is genetically determined and how socialisation impacts a child. 

The module also aims to teach you how Freud’s, Harlow’s and Bowlby’s explanations of the formation of mother-child attachments differ and how a child’s upbringing will impact their growth and development.

Module 2: Play Leadership

1. Understanding Play
2. Leadership Skills
3. Planning Play Programs
4. Child Development Through Play
5. Play Safety
6. Physical Play
7. Social Play
8. Adventure Play
9. Play Apparatus
10. Play Activities
11. Special Project -  Planning an After-School Play Program

It is well-researched that uninterrupted play is important for a child’s social, physical and mental development. This module will explore how play encourages brain development, stimulates creativity, increases a child’s academic ability and enhances quality of life through to adulthood. Discover the difference between physical play, independent play and social play.

You will develop an ability to evaluate a range of different play apparatus, including playground structures, toys, and sports equipment, commenting on quality, safety features, appropriate applications and cost-benefit. Learn the practical skills required to carry out a play leadership role in different situations and how to plan a supervised children’s play program.

Module 3: Children’s Nutrition

1. Introduction to Child Nutrition
2. Nutrition for Pre-Pregnancy
3. Nutrition in Pregnancy
4. Nutrition in Infants
5. Nutrition in Childhood
6. Nutritional Concerns
7. Healthy Eating Behaviours
8. Issues in Child Nutrition
9. Childhood Obesity
10. Diet Plans

This module provides a holistic approach to children’s nutrition, that explores not only what to feed children, but also pre-pregnancy and pregnancy nutritional requirements, how to manage food sensitivities and how to create healthy eating behaviours. You will learn practical skills so you can develop special diet plans (accommodating special dietary needs). Explore the most common concerns for children when it comes to diet and nutrition, how to minimise the risk of obesity and how to encourage healthy eating throughout childhood.

Module 4: Child and Adolescent Mental Health

1. Nature and Scope of Mental Health
2. Childhood Depression
3. Anxiety Disorders
4. Tic Disorders
5. Brain Disorders (Injury and Disease)
6. Other Disorders
7. Environmental Problems
8. Problems of Adolescence
9. Holistic and Alternative Approaches to Treatment
10. Special Project

In this module, you will learn about mental health problems in childhood, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, tic disorders and problems associated with brain disease or injury, environmental factors, abuse and neglect. As an introductory module, it provides a solid foundation for the scope of common child and adolescent mental health disorders and how to identify them.

Module 5: Developmental, Learning and Behavioural Conditions

1. Nature and Scope of Developmental Disorders
2. Autism
3. Asperger's Disorder
4. Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders
5. Attention-Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders
6. Conduct Disorders
7. Learning Disorders
8. Communications Disorders and Motor Skills Disorder
9. Special Project

In this foundation introductory module, you will learn about developmental disorders, including pervasive developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (which now includes Asperger’s syndrome), as well as Rett’s disorder and childhood disintegrative disorder. The module aims to help you identify the different signs and symptoms, treatments and possible causes of each, the implications of a developmental disorder later in life and how important it is to respond to the signs and symptoms as early as possible.

You will also learn about behavioural disorders, such as different types of attention and hyperactivity disorders, along with conduct disorders like oppositional defiant disorder. The module also explores learning disorders, which are specific developmental disorders, such as reading disorders.

Module 6: Developmental Psychology

1. Theoretical Approaches and Key Concepts
2. Early Childhood: Cognitive and Social Development in the First 6 Years
3. Middle Childhood – Cognitive, Moral and Social Development In The Primary School Years
4. Challenges of Middle Childhood
5. Adolescence: Cognitive, Moral and Social Development
6. Challenges of Adolescence
7. Adulthood: Cognitive and Psychosocial Development in Early and Middle Adulthood
8. Challenges of Adulthood
9. Late Adulthood: Cognitive and Psychological Changes in the Older People
10. Challenges of Late Adulthood

The Developmental Psychology module provides an extensive exploration of human development from early childhood through to late adulthood. It begins with theoretical approaches and key concepts, laying a foundation for understanding the subsequent stages of development. It covers the cognitive and social development in the first six years of life, moving into the challenges and growth experienced during middle childhood and adolescence. It then examines the cognitive and psychosocial development in early and middle adulthood, along with the unique challenges faced during these stages. Finally, it delves into the cognitive and psychological changes in older people, providing a comprehensive understanding of the developmental challenges and transitions experienced throughout the entire lifespan.

Module 7: Playground Design

1. Overview of Parks and Playgrounds
2. Playground Philosophy
3. Preparing a Concept Plan
4. Materials
5. Park and Playground Structures and Facilities
6. Local and Neighbourhood Parks
7. Community Participation In Park Development
8. Special Assignment

The Playground Design module focuses on creating engaging and safe outdoor play spaces. It starts with an overview of parks and playgrounds, introducing fundamental concepts and the philosophy behind playground design. It guides you through the steps of preparing a concept plan, emphasising selecting and using appropriate materials. It covers various aspects of park and playground structures, materials and their integration into local and neighbourhood parks.