FdA Childhood, Youth and Families in Practice

Program Overview

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The FdA Childhood, Youth and Families in Practice is a two-year program designed for professionals in the field who want to enhance their skills and knowledge. It offers a blend of practice-based learning and on-campus sessions, allowing participants to balance their studies with their professional commitments. The program equips graduates with advanced skills, critical thinking abilities, and professional development, preparing them for leadership roles and diverse career opportunities within the sector.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Overview

The FdA Childhood, Youth and Families in Practice is a dynamic, two-year program designed for professionals who want to enhance their skills and knowledge while working or volunteering in the field of children, youth, and families. The program offers a unique blend of practice-based learning and on-campus sessions held once a week, ensuring participants can balance their studies with their professional commitments.

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Objectives

This program aims to equip graduates with:

• Advanced skills and knowledge: Participants will develop a deep understanding of child development, social interactions, learning principles, and best practices for supporting children, young people, and families in diverse contexts.
• Critical thinking and reflective skills: Participants will learn to critically analyze their practice, evaluate its impact, and continuously refine their approach based on evidence and reflection.
• Professional development: The program prepares graduates for leadership roles within the field, enabling them to navigate complex situations and effectively collaborate with colleagues, children, young people, and families.
• Career advancement: The FdA serves as a stepping stone to further education, such as the BA (Hons) Childhood, Youth and Families in Practice Top-Up route.
It also opens doors to diverse career opportunities within the sector.

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Description

The FdA Childhood, Youth and Families in Practice offers a comprehensive curriculum covering various aspects of the field:

• Child Development: Understanding the stages and processes of child development, including physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth.
• Education and Learning: Exploring the principles of early childhood education, informal learning practices, and effective teaching strategies.
• Social Interactions: Analyzing how children interact with their peers, adults, and the wider community, and the factors influencing these interactions.
• Supporting Families: Learning to work effectively with families, understanding their diverse needs and challenges, and providing appropriate support.
• Professional Practice: Developing the critical skills and knowledge necessary for ethical, inclusive, and effective practice within the field.
• Reflective Practice: Engaging in ongoing reflection on professional experiences, identifying areas for improvement, and developing a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

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Outline:

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Program Content

The FdA Childhood, Youth and Families in Practice curriculum is structured to provide a holistic understanding of the field, encompassing:

• Theoretical foundations: Participants will study key concepts and theories related to child development, education, social interactions, family support, and professional practice.
• Practical skills: Through workshops, case studies, and simulations, participants will develop practical skills in communication, collaboration, assessment, planning, and intervention.
• Reflective practice: The program emphasizes the importance of reflection, encouraging participants to critically analyze their experiences, evaluate their impact, and identify areas for growth.

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Program Structure

The program follows a two-year structure, divided into four semesters. Each semester consists of a combination of:

• One weekly on-campus session: These sessions provide opportunities for in-depth exploration of key topics, facilitated discussions, and peer-to-peer learning.
• Independent learning: Between on-campus sessions, participants engage in independent study, completing readings, assignments, and reflective activities.
• Practice-based learning: Participants apply their learning to their professional settings, observing, analyzing, and reflecting on their practice in real-world contexts.

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Course Schedule

The course schedule details the specific modules covered in each semester:

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Year 1:

• Semester 1:
• Tools for Learning: Learning in Higher Education
• Tools for Learning: Supporting Children and Young People
• Key Thinkers Past and Present
• Individual in Society
• Semester 2:
• Empowering Relationships
• Supporting Health and Well-being

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Year 2:

• Semester 3:
• Informal Pedagogy and Practice
• Inclusion and Participation
• Semester 4:
• The Reflective Practitioner: Challenging Self with Children, Young People and/or Families
• Professional Development: Working in Practice
• Practitioner Research

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Module Descriptions

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Year 1:

• Tools for Learning: Learning in Higher Education: Introduces participants to higher education expectations, academic literacy skills, ethical principles, and learning theories.
• Tools for Learning: Supporting Children and Young People: Focuses on the tools and principles for supporting children and young people's learning and development, drawing upon well-established learning theories.
• Key Thinkers Past and Present: Explores the historical and contemporary thinkers and theories that have shaped and continue to shape the field of childhood, youth, and family practice.
• Individual in Society: Investigates the influences of individual development within society and how various factors impact the development and learning of children and young people.
• Empowering Relationships: Examines the importance of fostering empowering relationships with children, young people, families, and colleagues within a multi-professional context, focusing on safeguarding principles.
• Supporting Health and Well-being: Explores the factors that influence the health of children and young people, including theoretical frameworks, practical perspectives, and policies related to health promotion and well-being.

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Year 2:

• Informal Pedagogy and Practice: Investigates the range of skills, knowledge, and understanding required to plan, deliver, and evaluate informal learning initiatives for children, young people, and families in various settings.
• Inclusion and Participation: Analyzes issues of inclusion, participation, and entitlement in society, exploring how practitioners can promote inclusive practices and address inequalities.
• The Reflective Practitioner: Challenging Self with Children, Young People and/or Families: Develops participants' understanding of reflective practice, encouraging them to reflect on their work and the voices of children, young people, and/or families, fostering critical thinking and professional growth.
• Professional Development: Working in Practice: Provides a framework for analyzing professional practice, ethical codes, competence frameworks, and continuous professional development, enhancing participants' capacity for informed and constructive reflection.
• Practitioner Research: Guides participants in designing research projects, conducting literature reviews, adhering to ethical principles, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting research findings.

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Assessment:

The FdA Childhood, Youth and Families in Practice program utilizes various assessment methods to gauge participants' knowledge and skills development. These methods include:

• Presentations: Participants deliver presentations on specific topics, demonstrating their understanding and ability to communicate effectively.
• Discussions and debates: Engaging in discussions and debates allows participants to explore different perspectives, critically analyze issues, and articulate their own viewpoints.
• Poster presentations: Creating poster presentations provides a platform for participants to visually showcase their learning and engage in interactive discussions with peers.
• Essays: Through essays, participants delve deeper into specific topics, demonstrating their research and analytical skills.
• Portfolios of work: Participants compile portfolios showcasing their practical work, demonstrating their ability to apply their learning in real-world contexts.
• Case studies: Analyzing case studies allows participants to apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios and develop problem-solving skills.
• Reflections: Regular reflections encourage participants to critically examine their experiences and professional development, fostering self-awareness and ongoing growth.

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Teaching:

The FdA Childhood, Youth and Families in Practice program emphasizes a student-centered and interactive learning environment:

• Experienced academic staff: Participants benefit from the expertise of dedicated academic staff, including Dr. Nyree-Anne Nicholson, Tara May, and Dr. Caroline Meredith, who bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the classroom.
• Peer-led groups: Collaborative learning is fostered through peer-led group activities, encouraging participants to share ideas, support each other, and learn from one another's perspectives.
• Directed tasks and activities: The program utilizes directed tasks and activities to guide participants' exploration of key concepts, promoting active learning and engagement.

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Careers:

Graduates of the FdA Childhood, Youth and Families in Practice program are equipped to pursue diverse career paths within the field, including:

• Special educational needs coordinator: Supporting children with special educational needs and ensuring they receive appropriate accommodations and interventions.
• Youth work manager: Leading and managing youth work programs, providing opportunities for young people's personal and social development.
• Mentoring: Offering guidance and support to individuals or groups, helping them achieve their goals and overcome challenges.
• Community roles: Working with local authorities and community organizations to address social issues and improve the lives of children, young people, and families.
• Further education: Pursuing postgraduate studies, such as the BA (Hons) Childhood, Youth and Families in Practice Top-Up route, to deepen their knowledge and expertise.

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Other:

• The program is designed to be accessible to professionals who are already working or volunteering, allowing them to continue their employment while pursuing their academic goals.
• The program emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations within professional practice, ensuring graduates are equipped to work responsibly and with integrity.
• The program is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment, where all students feel valued and respected.
• Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in various sectors, making a positive impact on the lives of children, young people, and families.