Course I: From Early Child Development to Human Development: Integrating Perspectives

Introduction

Course I is also a standalone certificate course introducing concepts of human development through the lens of early child development. This course is a prerequisite for undertaking the Advanced Diploma in Human Development (Early Child Development) comprising Course II and Course III.

The aim is to introduce participants to the biological and social determinants of human development. The significance of early child development in relation to the lifecycle of human development will be explored. Theories of early child development and research from diverse disciplinary perspectives are considered. The course will examine the primary arguments for investing in early child development.   This course has been designed for managers in health, education and other social services in government, non-government and international development organisations. The courses would be useful also for community development workers and planners who are concerned with home-based or community-based programmes for pregnant women, young children and their families in healthcare and education settings.

Learning Objectives:

The course is designed to enhance the professional development in:

  • Theories of child development and approaches to human development as the basis for life-long developmental trajectories.
  • Integrated brain and biological development in early life and its impact on later development.
  • The Impact of environmental quality, particularly nutrition on feto-maternal, newborn and child health.
  • Social determinants of child development outcomes including child survival, mental and physical health, language, cognition, social competence, emotional maturity and cultural identity.
  • The basis of considering how investment in early child development contributes to improvement of human capital  and attainment of children’s rights.
  • Personal and professional experiences, values and attitudes related to childhood, child rearing, family and community.​