Child Studies aims to develop in students the knowledge, understanding and skills to positively influence the wellbeing and development of children in the critical early years in a range of settings and contexts.

The Child Studies CEC Years 7–10 course includes Life Skills outcomes and content for students with disability.

This syllabus reflects the multidimensional nature of child development and learning and the interconnectedness of the physical, social, emotional, personal, creative, spiritual, cognitive and linguistic domains. Students have the opportunity to explore this interrelationship through each stage of development in the early years. Child Studies also includes study of preconception and family preparation, newborn care and the influence and impact of nutrition, play, technology and the media.

Child Studies assists students to understand the significant impact of the child’s environment and the role that the child and others can take in the active construction of this environment. They have the opportunity to reflect and think critically on the value of the cultural context and influence of ancestral and traditional practices. They learn to identify, create and evaluate solutions to enhance child wellbeing. They become aware of and learn to access a range of relevant community resources and services.

Learning in Child Studies promotes in students a sense of empathy for children, their parents, caregivers and those that have the potential to influence the learning environments. It contributes to the development in young people of an understanding and appreciation of the range of ways they can positively affect the wellbeing of children through roles in both paid and unpaid contexts.