ECFS1004 - Understanding Behaviours
Course Outline
The course is designed to enhance understanding of why children behave the way that they do, and the potential underlying thoughts and feelings that impact on the way in which children express themselves. It will provide practitioners with a strong theoretical understanding of the theories related to children’s development that influence their behaviour. It will equip practitioners with the necessary knowledge and skill to identify, understand, assess and manage the behaviours of young children under their care. Ultimately it will foster improved child behaviours in early childhood settings.
Course Objectives
Knowledge
1. Critically examine current theories related to understanding children’s behaviour.
2. Critically examine research related to understanding children’s behaviour.
3. Discuss factors that may influence children’s behaviour.
4. Devise strategies for understanding children’s behaviours.
5. Explore the social needs of young children.
6. Explore the emotional needs of young children.
7. Discuss the importance of continuously observing and assessing young children.
8. Understand appropriate and inappropriate child behaviours.
9. Understand family and classroom situations that influence behaviours.
10. Evaluate the factors which promote aggressive and disruptive behaviours.
11. Critically examine emotional and dependent behaviours.
12. Develop strategies to support appropriate behaviours at school.
13. Explore various ways to encourage family involvement in improving child behaviours.
Attitude
1. Facilitate the development of pro‐social behaviours in children.
2. Recognise the importance of working with families to enhance children’s behaviour.
Skills
3. Apply techniques to engage children who are presenting a number of challenging behaviours
and who are expressing their needs through their behaviour.
4. Use appropriate language and questioning techniques to address children in conflict situations.
5. Assess when children require specialist support and refer them for further assistance.
6. Create and maintain safe environments where learning becomes enjoyable.
7. Draft and implement suitable child management policies.
8. Develop effective observation and assessment strategies to monitor the behaviours of young children.
9. Identify social networking bonds to support children’s social development.
10. Develop techniques for appropriately communicating with parents about child behaviours.
