Understand the Development of Children and Young People
Level:
CPD
Duration:
3 hrs
Course code:
TD/2025/09095
Max group:
12
Explore the stages of development in children, focusing on physical, emotional, and social growth



Course Summary
Understand the Development of Children and Young People
This course provides an in-depth understanding of the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development of children and young people from birth to adulthood. It covers key developmental theories, milestones, and the factors influencing growth and development at different stages of childhood and adolescence. Participants will explore how development occurs in various domains (physical, cognitive, emotional, and social) and how these domains are interconnected. The course also examines the impact of genetics, environment, culture, and life experiences on a child's development. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge to support children and young people through their developmental stages and address any challenges they may face. Key Learning Objectives: Understanding Developmental Stages Explore the different stages of childhood development, from infancy through adolescence. Understand the key milestones in physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth. Identify the variations in development due to age, individual differences, and environmental factors. Theories of Child and Adolescent Development Study key developmental theories (e.g., Piaget, Erikson, Vygotsky) and how they relate to real-world practice. Analyze the strengths and limitations of different developmental models. Apply theoretical knowledge to everyday scenarios involving children and young people. Physical and Cognitive Development Learn about motor skills development, brain growth, and the impact of nutrition and environment. Understand cognitive growth: language acquisition, problem-solving, and memory in children and adolescents. Explore developmental delays and how to support children with special needs or learning disabilities. Emotional and Social Development Explore emotional regulation, attachment, and identity formation in children and young people. Examine the role of social relationships, peer interactions, and the influence of family. Discuss the effects of stress, trauma, and early experiences on emotional development. Environmental and Cultural Influences on Development Investigate the role of family, school, and community in shaping development. Understand how culture, socio-economic status, and social policies impact growth. Recognize the influence of external factors, such as media, technology, and peer pressure. Developmental Delays and Disorders Identify common developmental delays and disorders (e.g., autism, ADHD, intellectual disabilities). Understand the causes, symptoms, and treatments of developmental disorders. Learn how to provide effective support for children and young people facing developmental challenges. Promoting Positive Development Discover strategies to encourage healthy development through play, education, and positive relationships. Learn how to create nurturing environments that support physical, cognitive, and emotional growth. Understand the importance of building resilience and self-esteem in children and young people. Supporting Transitions in Development Understand the challenges children and young people face during transitions (e.g., starting school, adolescence). Learn how to provide emotional and practical support during these key developmental changes. Discuss the impact of transitions on mental health and development.





Course Contents
Module 1: Introduction to Child and Adolescent Development
Overview of key developmental stages from birth to adulthood
Theories of development: stages vs. continuous development
Nature vs. nurture debate: genetics vs. environment
Impact of culture, socio-economic status, and family dynamics
How early experiences influence later developmentModule 2: Physical Development in Children and Young People
Infancy and early childhood motor and sensory development milestones
Physical growth patterns and health considerations
Puberty, growth spurts, and changes during middle childhood to adolescence
Physical maturity and changes in adulthoodModule 3: Cognitive Development and Learning
Piaget’s stages of cognitive development
Vygotsky’s social development theory: role of social interaction and scaffolding
Development of memory, problem-solving, and learning stylesModule 4: Emotional Development in Children and Young People
Early emotional development: attachment and bonding
Emotional regulation and caregiver influence
Formation of self-concept and identity in adolescence
Managing emotions, mental health considerations, and impact of traumaModule 5: Social Development in Children and Young People
Socialization and peer relationships
Influence of family and parenting styles on social and emotional growth
Adolescence: peer pressure, social identity, and role of media/technologyModule 6: Language Development
Milestones in early language acquisition
Relationship between language and cognitive development
Impact of bilingualism, language delay, and literacy development
Supporting children with learning difficulties in language skillsModule 7: The Role of Play in Development
Importance of play for cognitive, physical, emotional, and social growth
Types of play: solitary, parallel, cooperative, symbolic
Play’s role at different developmental stages
Therapeutic uses of play in care and education settingsModule 8: Developmental Delays and Disorders
Recognizing common developmental delays
Early intervention importance
Overview of ASD, ADHD, learning disabilities, intellectual and speech disorders
Supporting children with developmental challenges via IEPs and collaborationModule 9: Environmental and Cultural Influences on Development
Impact of family dynamics, parenting, and socio-economic factors
Cultural influences on identity, behavior, and development
Effects of society, media, peer pressure, and technologyModule 10: Promoting Positive Development
Creating nurturing and safe environments
Building resilience, emotional intelligence, and coping skills
Supporting children through developmental transitions (e.g., school, puberty)

Assessment
The instructor conducts a single written assessments at the end of the course. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a three-year Level 3 Award in Principles of Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Young People or Vulnerable Adults (Level 6 in Scotland). No external assessors are required for this qualification.
Duration
The course requires a minimum of 7 hours, distributed over the day. While it is ideal to complete the course in one day, we can adjust the schedule to suit your specific needs, as long as the course is completed within 3 weeks of starting and each training session lasts at least two hours.

Certification Validity
This qualification has no formal expiry, however regular CPD and updates are recommended.



Further Information - Course Numbers
A maximum of 12 students can be accommodated on this course and all candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age to qualify.
Assessment method: Activities, test paper.
Pre-requisite: None
Suggested progression:
recommended refresher training and CPD;