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Introduction to child psychology
Introduction to child psychology

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Conclusion

This course has briefly introduced you to some of the main ideas that are central to child psychology, with a particular focus on early development. Child psychology tries to describe and explain all aspects of child development, including changes in children’s cognitive, social and physical development, and to understand and support children experiencing delays in their development. Some of the dominant theories about children’s development have been introduced; competing explanations focus on development within the individual as against development influenced by the wider social and cultural environment. These theories often seek to answer a number of important psychological questions, which include explaining how change occurs, the role of the socio-cultural environment and how children shape their own individual development. These can often influence the kinds of applied work that psychologists carry out, such as in clinical or educational settings.

This OpenLearn course is an adapted extract from the Open University course E102 Introduction to childhood studies and child psychology [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] .

Childcare courses with the NEC

The first years of a child’s life, before they start school, are a crucial time in their development. Their experiences when they are very small play a big part in forming how they view the world as they grow up. That’s why childcare and early years offers some of the most varied and rewarding careers around. If you want to work with pre-school children, a course with the National Extension College (NEC) can set you on the right path.

All NEC childcare and early years courses are accredited by NCFE CACHE (the Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education), which is the leading awarding body in the UK for courses in early years care, childminding and playwork.

NEC offer childcare and early years courses at Level 1, 2 and 3.

Find out more about Childcare courses here.