Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Notes

Synopsis

In order to prevent the development of serious problems or possible problems in children, the child and youth care worker needs to be knowledgeable about the risk factors that can contribute to serious developmental delays or deviations. The early identification of symptoms of a disorder facilitates early treatment and accurate referral, increasing the chances of a successful outcome for the child. Since childcare workers spend a large quantity of hours with children they are in the ideal position to not only identify problems early through risk factors and symptoms, but also with highlighting the protective or resiliency factors that will assist the child in overcoming challenges successfully.

Objectives

The objectives lie within five inter-related bands. These concern:

1. factual information;
2. sources and resources;
3. conceptual definitions;
4. academic debates; and
5. analytic communication skills. Upon successful completion of this unit, learners will be able to demonstrate knowledge of and familiarity with the following types of information, academic perspectives and skills:

1. Understanding assessment in the context of child and youth care.
2. Identification of the risk factors in the development of major childhood problems.
3. Detection of symptoms of the most common childhood problems.
4. Recognition of protective factors or resiliency in children and how to utilise this for the benefit of the child.
5. Utilising the person-in-environment classification system to categorise childhood problems.
6. Writing of assessment reports and giving feedback to caregivers.

Assessment

Tutorial contribution (450 words): 10%
Major essay (1800 words): 40%
Examination (2 hours): 50%

Contact hours

Total weekly workload @ 12 hours comprised as follows:
4 hours (Three 1-hour lectures and One 1-hour tutorial per week) face to face contact per week..
The remaining 8 hours will be spent in preparation for tutorials and seminars, researching and writing the essay assignment and in individual reading and study for the final examination.

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Child and youth development

Prerequisites

First year CYD sequence