This child Psychology Course is designed to help participants develop new ideas and competence, which can be utilised in their workplace, and in their interaction with the children and adolescents they work with.

• Analyse different theoretical models in terms of understanding child and adolescent development.
• Be familiar with different scientific methods in relation to child behaviour and child development.
• Appreciate a range of factors influencing and impacting on a child’s psychological development.
• Understand and interpret social development as it impacts on school age children and their interaction with their peers and family.
• Recognise the significance of technology in a child’s / adolescent’s learning and development.
• Understand the importance of transitions in influencing a sense of self.

Overview of Child Psychology

• Explain what is meant by child psychology.
• Identify child psychology from birth to 18 years using sensory processes and their relationship to perception.
• Understand development of personality and the knowledge of self, with specific emphasis on children 4 to 18 years of age.
• Outline theories of child and adolescent development and psychology.
• Understand how the role of social, biological, cultural and historical perspectives affect the development of children and adolescents.
• Outline a range of international perspectives on the role of play in the development of children and teenagers and the construction of play in relation to youth sub-cultures and leisure activities.
• Use empirical research in acquiring knowledge, informing best practice and constructing scientific knowledge in the classroom.
• Explain the development of gender consciousness and its impact on self- identity in children and young people.

Learning and Development

• Understand the general overview of different models of learning in an educational context.
• Evaluate appropriate interventions in relation to a child’s or adolescent’s task  performance, and reflect on their role in providing equality of opportunity.
• Identify a range of measures to assist learning including an understanding of the development of memory and the organisation of thought.
• Understand the acquisition of language development and communication skills.
• Identify how children and young people develop and maintain relationships and develop social skills.

 Identify moral and spiritual development

• Understand the impact of culture and diversity on a child’s/adolescent’s development.
  Outline their own role in understanding typical developmental milestones and how they relate to children with special needs.

The Role of Technology in Child Psychology and Learning.

• Understand the role of technology in a child's and adolescent’s psychological development.
• Evaluate computer programmes in relation to children’s and adolescent’s education both in the home and in the classroom setting.
• Evaluate interventions and skills necessary in promoting computer based activities.
• Understand the impact and importance of play consoles, computer communication and technology in a child's and adolescent’s development.
• Evaluate the impact of media and how it constructs identity in children and adolescents.
• Evaluate technology as a teaching tool for special needs education.

Development of Self: Transitions from Childhood to Adulthood

• Understand the impact of transition and change in children’s and adolescents’ lives.
• Outline the process of rites of passage in the lives of children and adolescents.
• Understand the importance of continuity and security in the lives of children and adolescents.
• Identify the role of family and of environmental and physiological circumstances on psychological development.
• Analyse the role of peers, sub-cultures and consumerism in identity formation in children and adolescents.
• Outline the construction of self and the development of autonomy.

The Child Psychology Course will be delivered over 15 weeks. Work experience is a mandatory module for this award, therefore, students should be aware that they will be required to carry out 10 hours work experience outside of scheduled class time in order to satisfy the requirements of the FETAC work experience.  This will provide an opportunity to merge classroom learning with practical experience under the tutelage of experienced and qualified professionals. 

It is recommended that each student should secure a work experience placement in their locality that does not conflict with class time or their own personal/work commitments and prior to commencing the course to alleviate any pressure once the course has commenced. ‘If however, the student is finding it difficult to find a placement the college are willing to support the student in this regard from our wide network of contacts.’

Dorset College is registered with the Garda vetting Unit and is now in a position to offer students a Garda vetting service.  As of the 1st July there is an approximate 15 week backlog in processing applications with the Garda Vetting Unit.

A combination of appropriate assessment procedures will facilitate the assessment of learning outcomes of the course.
Project 60% / Assignments (2) 40%

A minimum of 10 hours work experience to be completed during the module with children/adolescents between 4 – 18 years of age

FETAC Child Psychology Component Certificate Level 6