Certificate in Child Psychology & Development
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, learners should understand:
- Basic concepts of child psychology and development
- Physical, cognitive, emotional and social development
- Behavioural patterns and common childhood concerns
- The role of family, school and environment in development
- Basic observation and child-support techniques
- Child safety, safeguarding and positive parenting
Month 1 – Foundations of Child Psychology
Unit 1: Introduction to Child Psychology
- Meaning, nature and scope of child psychology
- Importance of studying child development
- Principles of child development
- Heredity and environment
- Nature vs. nurture
- Individual differences among children
Unit 2: Stages of Child Development
- Prenatal development
- Infancy: 0–2 years
- Early childhood: 2–6 years
- Middle childhood: 6–12 years
- Adolescence: 12–18 years
- Developmental milestones
Unit 3: Theories of Child Development
- Jean Piaget – Cognitive Development
- Erik Erikson – Psychosocial Development
- Sigmund Freud – Psychosexual Development
- Lev Vygotsky – Social and Cultural Development
- Lawrence Kohlberg – Moral Development
- Attachment theory – John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth
Month 2 – Child Growth, Behaviour & Emotions
Unit 4: Physical and Motor Development
- Growth and maturation
- Gross motor development
- Fine motor development
- Brain development
- Nutrition and healthy development
- Sleep and physical wellbeing
Unit 5: Cognitive and Language Development
- Thinking and reasoning
- Memory and attention
- Learning processes
- Intelligence and creativity
- Language development
- Communication skills
- Role of play in learning
Unit 6: Social and Emotional Development
- Emotional development
- Self-esteem and self-concept
- Social relationships
- Peer interaction
- Empathy and emotional regulation
- Family influence
- School environment and social development
Unit 7: Child Behaviour and Behaviour Management
- Understanding children’s behaviour
- Aggression and temper tantrums
- Attention-seeking behaviour
- Lying and stealing
- Fear and anxiety
- Positive discipline
- Behaviour modification basics
- Rewards and reinforcement
Month 3 – Child Psychology Applications & Safeguarding
Unit 8: Common Childhood Psychological Concerns
- Childhood anxiety
- Childhood stress
- Low self-esteem
- Learning difficulties
- Attention and concentration difficulties
- Social difficulties
- Behavioural problems
- Emotional difficulties
- When professional referral may be required
Unit 9: Child, Family and School
- Parent-child relationships
- Parenting styles
- Family environment
- Teacher-child relationship
- Classroom behaviour
- Bullying and peer pressure
- School adjustment
- Supporting children with different needs
Unit 10: Child Safety & Safeguarding
- Child protection principles
- Recognising signs of abuse and neglect
- Physical, emotional and sexual abuse
- Online safety
- Safe and unsafe touch
- Child-friendly communication
- Safeguarding responsibilities
- Basic awareness of POCSO Act, 2012 in India
- Reporting and referral mechanisms
Unit 11: Practical Child Observation
- Principles of child observation
- Observation methods
- Behaviour recording
- Developmental milestone observation
- Case-study preparation
- Maintaining confidentiality
- Basic child assessment concepts
- Preparing an observation report
Practical / Assignments
Students can complete:
- Child Development Observation Record
- Case Study of a Child
- Developmental Milestone Chart
- Observation of Child Behaviour
- Parenting Style Analysis
- Child Behaviour Management Activity
- Child Safeguarding Awareness Assignment
- Final Project / Viva
Duration: 3 Months
Level: Certificate
Mode: Blended Education / Hybrid Mode
Medium: English / Tamil
Eligibility: 10th or 12th Pass
Assessment: Theory + Assignment + Practical
Certificate: Certificate in Child Psychology & Development
Important: This is a certificate-level educational programme, not as a qualification to independently diagnose or treat psychological disorders.
