The aim of this unit is to develop an understanding of the fundamental aspects of child development and learning from birth to age eight. It will examine development and learning from a biological, social and contextual viewpoint. The unit explores the foundations for promoting safe and healthy learning environments and the teacher’s role in planning for and scaffolding children’s holistic development and learning. It provides a basic introduction to observations and assessments for planning to achieve improved learning outcomes for children, which will be further explored in later units.
Students will develop their understanding of the interdependent nature of education and care for young children in early childhood education contexts. The importance of providing nurturing environments for the child’s brain development and the teacher’s role in developing and supporting these environments will be examined.