This module aims to develop students understanding of the advanced application of psychology to childhood and adolescence. Emphasis will be placed upon cultivating inclusive, empowering and democratic practice. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the behavioural, social and emotional issues that children and young people may present with throughout their development. Furthermore, students will develop a critical understanding of the relevant assessment and interventions for working with young people with behavioural, emotional and social issues.
Historical and Contemporary Issues in Childhood Assessment
Assessment history, different models of assessment, purpose of assessment, issues with assessment. Classification models (children and adults), Cultural & other biases in assessment, Current research and debates. Inclusive, empowering and democratic practice –The Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Charter and Guidelines for ECCE. Leadership for Inclusion (LINC) training and Access and Inclusion Model
Anxiety
Definition, presentation and assessment, Interventions and learning needs, Impact on a child's family life and education, Debates around causation, Psychological avoidance as a perpetuator. Therapeutic methods of exposure.
ADHD
Definition, presentation and assessment, Interventions and learning needs, Impact on a child's family life and education, Sociological variables. ADHD as a contested concept and Neurodiversity and Inclusive practice
Conduct Problems
Definition, presentation and assessment, Interventions and learning needs, Impact on the child's family life and education, Sociological variables and critique of classification models and Inclusive practice
Emotional Development
Bullying, Anger management and self-regulation. The role of the social environment and peers
Intellectual Disability
Definition, presentation and assessment, Interventions and learning needs, Impact on a child's family life and education, Normalisation. The medical and social models of disability, Labelling theory- Self fulfilling prophecy, Inclusive practice. Issues of autonomy, Consent, Institutionalisation including learned helplessness. Advocacy
Sensory and Physical Disabilities
Definition, presentation and assessment, Interventions and learning needs. The impact on a child's family life and education, Inclusive empowering and democratic practice. Universal Design in the Early Years
Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Definition, presentation and assessment, Interventions and learning needs, Impact on a child's family life and education, Sociological variables and critique of classification models. Neurodiversity and Inclusive practice
Specific Learning Difficulties
Definition, presentation and assessment, Interventions and learning needs, Impact on a child's family life and education and Inclusive practice
This module is delivered with weekly face to face lectures where the students critically evaluate the context of disability and strategies to support children with additional needs. The students link through directed and self-directed learning the political, theoretical, legislative and structural context of disability and the implementation of inclusive practice.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 60 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 40 |