Child Development

CHILD DEVELOPMENT - UCLES (MEG) 1625

This Home Economics syllabus is a course in Child Development (Family) with related Home, Food and Textiles aspects. This syllabus seeks to encourage a sensitivity to, and a respect for, the overall needs of young children and for social and environmental influences which affect their development.

Subject Content

Through the syllabus students will be helped to develop further an understanding of concepts such as:

	The patterns of birth, death, infant mortality and marriage rates, fertility and family size in the UK in the 20th Century.
	Variations in family life, family structures.
	Outline of reproductive biology. Methods of fertility control.
	Parenthood and pregnancy - roles and responsibility of parents and guardians. The role of the father. Ante-natal provision for parents. Minor ailments in pregnancy. Benefits available. Type of hospital stay. Preparation for the arrival of the baby - safety, health, clothing, equipment, consumer awareness. Post-natal checks and care of the other.
	Physical development - needs, special needs of new-born baby, growth in the first five years of life etc.
	Intellectual development - value of play - toys, special needs of the mentally handicapped.
	Social and emotional development. Role of the mother, father and family members, development of child’s personality. Common behaviour problems.
	Community provisions, facilities available by the local authority, voluntary agencies etc. Adoption and fostering. Children in care.

Question Paper Requirements

Paper 1 has two sections. Section A has three questions: two are structured questions and one is in data response format. Candidates attempt all questions. Section B has one structured question and a number of short answer questions. Candidates attempt all questions.

Paper 2 has two sections: Section A has one structured question, a number of short answer questions and is common to Section B of Paper 1. Candidates attempt all questions. Section B has three questions which are in structured, data response and free response format. Candidates attempt all questions.

Coursework Requirements

Candidates prepare an Individual Task that requires a problem solving and investigative approach. It must include the observation of a child or children. The likely completion time for the task is 12 - 14 hours. Candidates must also complete two Resource Tasks which are short, focused assessments with the emphasis placed on the implementation of practical skills. The likely completion time of a task will be two to three hours.