Childhood Studies 3B: Children and The Family in Practice (U01531)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : EDU-3-CSCFP

This course is intended to alert students who work with children to some of the issues surrounding working with families in practical settings. These include:
- Abuse and Protection.
- Parent and Child Mental Health.
- Parenting, Nurturing, Caring and Playing.
- Working With Families From Diverse Backgrounds.
- Parents Children and Counselling (e.g bereavement, ill health,).
- Parents In Crisis (e.g. drug/alchohol/substance abuse).

The regular contact that teachers, nursery staff, child/ social care workers, play workers and youth workers have with children and young people place them in a context where they are able to observe possible signs and act accordingly. Child Abuse may give rise to a number of indicators, including physical signs and changes in behaviour or performance, although it is important to realise that these are not necessarily proof of abuse in themselves. The procedures and skills required within this area are similar to those employed if we are to assist in supporting the notion of the uniqueness of the individual and encouraging young people to take more responsibility for their own learning and behaviour. The module seeks to develop in students a range of interpersonal skills that underpin a counselling approach in order to help people to explore their own thoughts and feelings and to develop, for themselves, sound decision-making processes. Teaching will be provided by university staff and professionals from local authorities. This will enable students to be informed of update practice in the field of children and family work.

Entry Requirements

? Prohibited combinations : BA Childhood Studies Only

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Education, (The Moray House School of Education, Schedule C)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

? Additional Class Information : Contact course secretary

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course students will have:

- A critical understanding of the meaning of and range of indicators that may signify child abuse and child protection.
- A critical awareness of the theoretical principles, processes and conditions underpinning interpersonal skills and their role in promoting young people's physical, emotional and social well-being.
- A critical awareness of different approaches that are utilised in childcare settings to promote parent and child learning.
- Analyse and discuss the relevance for policy and practice of a number of recent and relevant research studies.
- Students will be able to compare and contrast perspectives concerning the nature of bilingualism and its development within the context of a multilingual community and educational establishments.
- Students will be able to consider how their experience of studying on the BA Childhood Studies Programme has influences their ability to work with children and promote their wellbeing.

Assessment Information

In groups, students will examine and compare their assessments from previous courses within the programme to the content of this course. Students will be required to produce a group presentation (formative) and individual 3-4000 words report. They will critically identify key policy documents, literature and research. They will demonstrate how the knowledge gained from these sources has influenced and/or changed the way that they view childhood and the practical ways that they work with and support the protection of children's well being.