Level: 3
Unit type: Internal
Guided learning hours: 60
Unit in brief
Learners explore theories that explain how children develop, the factors that may affect development, and how growth and development is monitored and supported.
Unit introduction
To provide the care and support that children need, it is important that you have a good understanding of how they grow and develop. This unit introduces you to the patterns of growth and development in children, from birth to eight years, and across different areas and aspects of development.
In this unit, you will learn about the stages and principles of growth and development. You will look at some of the theories about how children develop, and learn and recognise how these theories are applied to help children achieve their developmental milestones. You will examine factors that can affect how children grow and develop, including those that are personal to the child such as a disability, and external factors such as whether they have access to good-quality care and health services. You will explore the different methods professionals use across children’s services and carry out an observation of your own. You will need to reflect on these methods to consider the importance of assessment so you can plan to support children’s individual needs.
This unit will help you to progress to degrees in the sector such as nursing and social work. It will be useful for learners intending to pursue a career in children’s social care or health care such as in fostering services, residential care, child assessment centres and as health visitors or paediatric nurses.
Learning aims
In this unit you will:
A. Understand patterns, principles and theories that contribute to an understanding of growth and development in children from birth to eight years
B. Examine factors that may impact on children’s growth and development
C. Explore how assessment is used to identify children’s stages of growth and development and their support needs.
