After completing this course, the student will:
- have knowledge and understanding of
- early child development within the context of the child’s social environment,
- the effects of early life experiences on later health and well-being, including (biological) processes underlying these effects, and
- the possibilities to prevent negative developmental outcomes by early caregiving and preventive interventions;
- be able to critically analyse literature and video materials on the course subjects by reflecting on the literature/videos, drawing his/her own conclusions, and commenting on them in writing. The student is also able to translate research findings to practice.
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The focus of this course is on the socio-emotional development of children during their earliest stages development, the period spanning roughly between conception and one’s second birthday. This period has become known as the first 1000 days. During the first 1000 days development proceeds at a breathtaking pace. Infants grow extremely fast and reach one developmental milestone after another. Moreover, foundations of optimum mental and physical health across the lifespan are established, with early life experiences shaping both short-term and long-term developmental outcomes. For example, the emotional bond infants develop with key persons in their live, also refered to as attachment, not only affects infants’ immediate development, but also their future relationships and well-being.
During the first 1000 days of life, developmental plasticity is at its greatest. Developmental plasticity is our capacity to adapt to different environments. Adapting to the immediate environment makes infants both versatile and vulnerable, as development in this period is highly sensitive to both positive and negative environmental influences. As such, the first 1000 days of life can contain risks with lifelong consequences for health and wellbeing, but is also a period filled with chances to ‘get things right’ and to boost childrens’ development.
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At least a full year (60 ects) of prior study in the field of psychology or educational theory/ pedagogics.
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As room space is limited, a registration cap may apply for this course. Make sure to register at your earliest convenience. In case of too many enrollments Psychology students have priority over students from other faculties or universities.
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