Skills for Work: Early Learning and Childcare

Home Economic Department

Do you want to learn more about the development of children and young people up to the age of 16? Early Learning and Childcare will give you the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills that can be transferred into childcare and education settings. Whether you have a creative mind for developing new play and development activities or want to learn more about the key milestones we all go through from birth to 16 years old.

During the course you will look at the importance of physical, cognitive and language development and how adults, such as teachers, can help to support children and young people to meet these milestones. You will learn about 7 different play categories and how these can link to hitting milestones, while planning effective play and learning opportunities. Before going on to learn about the different care provisions available and the different support they can provide for children and families.

Assessment

At both National 4 and 5 all units are assessed through portfolio work created during class time and final assessment work for each unit, such as reports and presentations. There is no exam at National 4 or 5.

Ideal Candidate

Early Learning and Childcare is the ideal course for learners with an interest in a career in any childcare or education setting.

Pupils should be aware that there are practical elements throughout the course, but the majority of the course is theory based.

What you will learn

In Early Learning and Childcare, pupils will learn how the importance of developmental milestones can be for each child and young person. You will learn the importance of the role that adults and education providers can play in the development of each individual child through supporting learning and wellbeing.

Pupils will link their knowledge of key milestones and developmental areas to carry out and create new play activities for different age ranges. Allowing for creativity in the development of these new resources and evaluation of these play experiences on the impact they can have.

Pupils will explore the role education settings play in the care of children and how they can support families and carers to ensure every child is supported through their developmental milestones.

Future Pathways

There are many different careers available within the Early Education and Childcare Industry. People interested in a career in this sector will be able to begin to gain essential knowledge and skills for careers in this industry.

Jobs linked to this subject include: