The purpose of this unit of study is to help students explore child development within the child’s family, culture, and environment.
Nurses working in partnership with infants, children, and their families must have in-depth knowledge and understanding of a child’s physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development and the influences on their development in the early years. This knowledge assists nurses in promoting and strengthening the relationship between young children and their support networks, therefore enabling the attachment process, a fundamental element in healthy development.
Central to the role of a nurse working with young children and families is acquiring growth and developmental assessment skills. Assessing, screening, and monitoring a child’s development throughout the early years provides a good foundation for person-centred health promotion and facilitates early intervention when developmental issues are detected.
Students studying this Unit will consolidate their theoretical learning through a 40-hour professional experience placement in a child and family health setting.
| Child Development in the Family Context | |
| Unit of study code | 018 |
| Availability | Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health Nursing
GC single unit of study |
| Term | JANUARY, JULY |
| Pre-requisite | N/A |
| EFTSL | 0.125 FTE |
| Credit points | 6 |
| Mode of study | Online |
| Hours of study | 150 |
| Fee* | Tier 3 |
| Clinical Placement Information | There is a compulsory 40 hours clinical placement for this unit of study.
Anyone applying for an ACN course that includes a clinical placement must provide evidence of compliance documents at the time of application. Applications for enrolment will not be progressed until all relevant documentation has been received by customer services. Each Australian state and territory has its own clinical placement documentation requirements. Please view our clinical placement information page, then click on the tab for your particular state or territory for information on specific requirements. Individual placement providers may need additional documentation. If you are required to provide this then you will be contacted by the clinical placement officer following enrolment. ACN negotiates with health care facilities to secure clinical placements. ACN will make every effort to secure clinical placements within the timeframe indicated in the course outline, however applicants are advised that provision and location of clinical placements is dependent on the availability of placements within the health facility. As placements are difficult to secure, once confirmed these cannot be negotiated unless there is unforeseen extenuating circumstances. Applicants are not to arrange their own clinical placements with a clinical facility under any circumstances. ACN reserves the right to change clinical placements if necessary. |
| Prescribed texts | Nil |
| Co-ordinated by | Trish Lowe MACN e: patricia.lowe@acn.edu.au |
| Content | Intended learning outcomes for this subject/program
After completing this subject, the learner will be able to:- |
Assessment Tasks | ||
| Type of assessment
Note the completed assessment item (e.g. Assessment 1: Online discussion) |
Weighting
(% of total marks) |
When assessed – academic week
(e.g. Week 8) |
||
| Theme 1: Developmental foundations and influences | a) evaluate the research, policies, models, and frameworks that provide parameters for assessing screening, and monitoring child development in the early years | Assessment 1: Online discussions | 10% | 2, 8 |
| Theme 2: Developmental surveillance and health monitoring | b) critically analyse the complex social, cultural, and environmental factors that influence developmental outcomes in young children | Assessment 2: Learning objectives and strategies/ reflection and verification | 0% | 4, 9 |
| Theme 3: Developmental progression in infancy & toddlerhood | c) apply advanced knowledge of developmental foundations and theories to support infants’ and children’s biopsychosocial and emotional needs | Assessment 3: Analysis of care | 45% | 7 |
| Theme 4: Developmental progression in the pre-school years | d) interpret the signs of perinatal distress that can influence infant-parent attachment and infant mental health and wellbeing | Assessment 4: Essay | 45% | 10 |
| Theme 5: Supporting optimal development | e) implement effective communication strategies that strengthen partnerships with parents, families, community networks | |||
| f) reflect on the nurse’s role in facilitating parents’ understanding of their child’s developmental needs through health education and parenting skill development | ||||
Child Development in the Family Context (018) is a Tier 3 unit.
| Tiers | 2025 Member price (10% discount) | 2025 Non-member price |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $2,403.00 | $2,670.00 |
| Tier 2 | $2,740.50 | $3,045.00 |
| Tier 3 | $3,539.00 | $3,932.00 |
| Tier 4 | $4,166.00 | $4,628.50 |
*Fees are subject to change without notice.
