The Certificate Course in Child Development

An intensive six month course in Child Development is offered for graduates of the Foundation Course.

Accreditation
Successful completion of the Certificate Course leads to Associate Membership of the Association of Child and Family Development. The Certificate Course is also recognized as relevant prior learning for University accreditation.

Dates
The next Certificate Course commences in May 2008 and applications can be made now. Early Bird Rates Apply and Discounts For More Than One Person From an Organisation.

Venues: The Certificate Course is run in Melbourne.

Overview of the Certificate Course
This innovative six month course for professionals helps them to develop the skills and expertise which will be required to deal with the challenges of child and family mental health into the 21st century.

The course is underpinned by The Psychodynamic Method which takes, as its starting point, that all behaviour has meaning and is a communication. The Psychodynamic Method emphasises the importance of understanding the common developmental task which is the foundation for all emotional growth.

Aims and Objectives

• To offer a sound developmental framework for understanding the behaviour of children across the age range from infancy through to adolescence
• To learn how to apply this understanding in everyday work with children and young people who present with a wide range of problems including ADHD, problems of early childhood, depression and behavioural problems.
• To develop strong observational skills which can be applied to carrying out effective assessments and case management
• To emphasise prevention, promote health and work in partnership with parents.

Who Can Attend?
All professionals who work with children, adolescents, parents and families, in any setting. These may be social workers, psychologists, doctors, teachers, maternal and child health nurses, child care staff, kindergarten teachers, school and college counsellors, community, and youth workers. No previous therapeutic experience is necessary and the course is not a psychotherapy training.

Professionals with decision making responsibilities may find the course particularly useful, such as managers of Health or Welfare teams, managers of High Risk Infant Teams, and professionals concerned with linking policy with good practice.