This course observes the trajectory of early years mental health development, following the child's journey from pre-birth to pre-school. The course attends to key developmental stages, and relates them to the child's wider health, relational, and societal contexts.

You will be receive asynchronous online teaching.

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1. 30% personal reflection on learning (550-600 words) (ILOs 1 & 5)

2. 70% analysis and response to case study vignette recorded presentation (7-10mins) (ILOs 2-5)

Students will become familiar with the various milestones of a typically developing child's journey. Particular attention is given to the unique skill-set of the newborn and their eagerness to learn and connect. Atypical developmental trajectories and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are explored, with a focus on the life-long relational consequences of early childhood development and experiences. Students will develop a new appreciation for the competencies of the child, an understanding of the critical nature of the child's early environment, and a framework with which to observe and discuss infant mental health.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Critically reflect on personal and professional experiences.

2. Synthesise and critically appraise scientific literature informed by the bioecological model to describe how aspects of pre- and post-birth environments influence child development.

3. Critically evaluate scientific literature to identify factors that affect relationships between infants and caregivers and discuss how early relationships impact developmental trajectories.

4. Communicate learning in a concise and engaging manner.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.