10026 (7)
Understanding Holistic Development in Early Childhood

Level: 3 Credits: 6 Marking Service

Description:

Understand How Young Children Grow, Learn and Communicate — and Build Skills for Early Childhood Education 

Working with young children is about much more than knowing what happens at each age. This course introduces you to the foundations of early childhood development from a holistic, Te Ao Māori-aligned perspective.  

What you'll learn 

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to: 

• Describe how mokopuna/children develop and learn 

• Explain why progress can differ between children of similar ages 

• Recognise how physical, social, linguistic, cultural and spiritual environments influence learning 

• Understand how language and literacy develop across English, te reo Māori and other languages 
• You'll also explore practical ways to help children become confident and capable communicators 

Through examples and early childhood scenarios, you'll connect developmental knowledge with real ECE settings rather than simply memorising milestones. You'll consider different cultural contexts and the role of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, te reo Māori and tikanga Māori in supporting holistic development and learning. 

This introductory course is suitable for learners who are new to ECE as well as those already gaining experience in the sector. The skills can be applied in centre-based, home-based, parent-led, hospital-based and culturally based early childhood settings. 

The open book assessment is aligned with NZQA Unit Standard 10026: Understanding holistic development in early childhood – Level 3, Credits 6, and informed by Te Whāriki.