Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 700273

Coordinator Natalie Quinlivan Opens in new window

Description An in-depth knowledge of child development is essential for educators to plan and provide culturally and developmentally appropriate practices for children in the early years. In this context, this subject aims to explore the diverse nature, processes and aspects of children’s development from conception to 12 years of age. The subject investigates the physical, socio-emotional, cognitive, language, moral, creative, spiritual and academic domains of development. Students will gather an understanding of the evolving methods used to develop theory about child development – from traditional case study approaches to contemporary brain research. The role of family, community, and other sociocultural influences will also be considered in relation to understanding the holistic nature of children’s development. Students will apply their knowledge of theories and methods of child study in the development of a Child Portfolio. Students must complete the WSU’s online Child Protection Awareness Training before undertaking the Child Portfolio.

School Education

Discipline Teacher Education: Early Childhood

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 1 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject

Co-requisite(s) Students enrolled in the combined DiplomaBachelor courses listed below must pass all College Preparatory units listed in the course structure before progressing to the Year Two units

Equivalent Subjects TEAC 1032 - The Developing Child

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled at Western Sydney University, The College. Students enrolled in Diploma in Arts Extended must have passed 40 credit points of preliminary subjects in order to enrol in this subject.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Explain children’s development from conception to 12 years of age across all domains;
2. Analyse the major theories and contemporary research relating to children’s development and apply theoretical understandings of child development in their learning;
3. Discuss evolving methods used to develop theory about child development – from traditional case study approaches to contemporary brain research; 
4. Demonstrate understanding of the diversity in families, cultures, environments and communities and consider the implications for children’s development, health, care and education;
5. Critique developmentally and culturally appropriate practices and principles and  their implications for care and education that is responsive to needs of children and their families;
6. Apply knowledge of observational and assessment techniques to the development of a child’s case study. 
7. Document and interpret observations using related theory and research and suggest implications for planning for children’s developments.

Subject Content

1. An overview of theories of children’s development.
2. Child development: history, methods and sociocultural perspectives of child development 
3. Biological foundations of child development, prenatal development, and birth. 
4. Child development: physical and motor development; cognitive development; language development; socio-emotional development; moral and spiritual development; creative and academic development. 
5. Diversity in families, cultures and communities and importance of working with children, families and communities professionally and ethically.
6. Methods of observation, documentation and analysis of child development. 
7. Developmentally and culturally appropriate practices for children in the early years and their application to education contexts.
8. Academic literacy, including analytical and reflective writing and the organisation of a child portfolio.