Child Studies

Child Studies aims to develop in students the knowledge, understanding and skills to positively influence the wellbeing and development of children in the critical early years in a range of settings and contexts.

The Child Studies CEC Years 7–10 course includes Life Skills outcomes and content for students with disability.

The syllabus includes a range of modules that provide flexibility for schools to design and deliver a course in Child Studies that meets the needs and interests of their students. Modules should be between 15 and 30 hours’ duration. The syllabus modules are:

• Preparing for parenthood
• Conception to birth
• Family interactions
• Newborn care
• Growth and development
• Play and the developing child
• Health and safety in childhood
• Food and nutrition in childhood
• Children and culture
• Media and technology in childhood
• Aboriginal cultures and childhood
• The diverse needs of children
• Childcare services and career opportunities

Throughout the course, students will develop skills that enhance their ability to:

• support a child’s development from pre-conception through to and including the early years
• positively influence the growth, development and wellbeing of children
• consider the external factors that support the growth, development and wellbeing of children
• research, communicate and evaluate issues related to child development.