Is this course for you?
This qualification is designed to develop knowledge of neuroscience in the early years.
Studies show that healthy relationships, strong attachments and encouraging parenting can have a hugely positive impact on children’s lives, and it is particularly important to reinforce this in the early years.
It is suitable for those who wish to enhance their continuous professional development, for those already working in the childcare field, for parents of children under the age of seven years to improve their parenting skills and for those wishing to consider a career change to the Early Years Sector.
The first unit looks at understanding neuroscience in the early years, exploring how a child’s brain develops from pregnancy to seven years and the impact that external factors can have on this. It gives a gentle introduction to neuroscience, exploring the composition and functions of neurons, synaptogenesis, and synaptic pruning for brain development. It also considers the development of the social brain, and how relationships and attachment theory affect this.
The second unit looks at self-regulation and how it can be nurtured in the early years. Self-regulation refers to a child’s ability to consciously control their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. This unit considers how this is affected by the limbic system; the five domains of self-regulation; how special educational needs can impact on the ability to self-regulate; and the consequences of adverse childhood experiences.
