Course Summary
Course Category: Employment / Lifelong Learning
This foundational program is designed to introduce learners to the core principles of child development and play within the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) sector. The curriculum provides elementary knowledge on the physical, emotional, and social milestones of early childhood, emphasizing the critical role that structured and creative play has in a child's growth. Participants will gain basic practical skills in creating safe, stimulating environments that encourage exploration and learning.
Certificate in QQI Level 4 Minor Award Certificate in Child Development And Play (4N1111)
Course Details
This course prepares you for working in the following Career Sectors:
What will you study?
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Explain the key stages of child development.
Explain the relationship between play and child development.
Identify some practical child observation techniques.
Identify the skills that children develop and use in different types of play activities.
Respond appropriately to children at play recognising the diverse needs of children and families.
Prepare a play item or activity which meets the basic developmental needs of a child.
Identify learning opportunities under guidance, to improve knowledge and skills at a personal and vocational level.
Take partial responsibility for own role and practice in supporting the basic developmental, play and learning needs of the child.
Important
- Colleges may add/remove modules to keep the course updated and to meet demands.
Progression to CAO Courses
The Student - Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, the performing arts or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Further Research
Career Progression
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Master the ability to design and implement age-appropriate play activities, a highly valued skill in creches, preschools, and after-school services.
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