Psychological Theories of Child and Adolescent Development

Course Overview

Embark on a journey of discovery and better understand the ways in which children and adolescents think and behave.

This course explores the critical milestones within child and adolescent development that shape a worldview, of themselves and others.

In this 8-week micro-credential, you will learn about the three stages of early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence. Explore the development theories of Freud, Erikson, Bowlby, Piaget, Bandura, Vygotsky, Kohlberg, and Maslow.

Learn about other aspects of adolescence that impact and influence the behaviour of the adolescent.

Time commitment per week

An average of 10 – 13 hours weekly.

Is this course for you?

This course is particularly valuable for parents, teachers, and those who work and engage with children and youth.

Dates

Class of 2023 May: 15 May – 09 July

Class of 2023 June: 12 June – 30 July

Class of 2023 August: 14 August – 08 October

Class of 2023 September: 11 September – 05 November

Class of 2023 October: 23 October – 17 December

There are no online classes. Course content is released on a weekly basis allowing you to work through the course material, and meet weekly targets, at a time that is most convenient to you.

Certification

Upon completion, you will receive a digital certificate of competence as evidence of the skills and knowledge demonstrated.

This course has been designed and developed by experts in the field of psychology. The psychological theories of child and adolescent development micro-credential is for anyone needing to upskill in this area and offers 80 hours of learning and assessment. Learners study online with expert facilitators and receive robust academic content, while acquiring practical industry-relevant skills.

Stackable Credentials

Stack specified combinations of SACAP Global micro-credentials and they can be recognised as equivalent to a module within our degree programme at SACAP South Africa.

Psychological Theories of Child and Adolescent Development can be stacked with Working with Children and Adolescents and recognised as equivalent to a module within the Bachelor of Applied Social Science Degree.

If you meet the minimum entrance criteria, you can enrol for the degree and apply for module exemption.

What You’ll Need

• Access to Microsoft Word
• Google Chrome (recommended)
• Stable internet connection

What You’ll Learn

Over the course of eight (8) weeks, through videos, readings and discussions, you will explore the following topics:

Week 1: Engage with the developmental theories of Freud, Erikson and Bowlby as they relate to child and adolescent development.

Week 2: Explore the developmental theories of Vygotsky, Bandura, Kohlberg and Maslow as they relate to child and adolescent development.

Week 3: Look at significant developmental milestones of early childhood.

Week 4: Learn about significant developmental milestones of middle childhood.

Week 5: Investigate the physical, cognitive, and moral development aspects of adolescence as well as psychosocial conflicts that occur over this developmental period.

Week 6: Introduction to other (relational) aspects of adolescence that impact and influence the behaviour of the adolescent.

Week 7: Explore a range of contextual factors that impact child and adolescent development.

Week 8: Summative Assessment Case study. Complete and submit a summative assessment in the form of a Case study.

Course Outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Discuss child and adolescent development theories of Freud, Erikson, Bowlby, Piaget, Bandura, Vygotsky, Kohlberg, and Maslow.
• Explain significant developmental milestones that distinguish early childhood, middle childhood and adolescence.
• Identify social and emotional/psychological changes which take place across these three developmental stages.
• Contextualise child and adolescent development through parenting styles and family influences.
• Describe the significance of Bronfenbrenner’s socio-ecological systems theory for child and adolescent development.

The Team

Our short course developers and assessors are expert practitioners. They have been selected for the breadth and depth of experience in their respective disciplines. The team loves sharing their knowledge and online learning expertise to help you get the most out of your learning journey.