In Early Childhood Development, students will undertake a broad investigation into the children’s care and education sector, exploring the importance of early years development, and the integral role that early years professionals play in the lives of children. Throughout this course you’ll broaden your knowledge of childhood development from birth to eight years, exploring the potential impact of a wide range of factors that can support children to meet their milestones. You’ll also develop your research skills by exploring policy and how this influences early year’s provision, as well as developing a variety of work-based skills through high value work experience placements. If you are hoping to progress to a career working with children or young people, this is the qualification for you! This qualification is particularly well suited to those looking to progress to a career in primary education.
Specific requirements
You’ll need to meet the entry criteria for your chosen pathway.
For further information on the pathways, please click here.
HNC takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. This information is for guidance only. The College reserves the right to update and amend course information and entry criteria as and when necessary. Please note that from time to time we may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on applicant demand and other factors. Please check this website for the latest information and our current course offer.
Your learning experience
On this course, you will be introduced to the subject of Early Childhood Development. It is especially useful if you are looking to move into a career working with children! In this 1 A Level equivalent course, you will explore topics including:
- Children’s development
- Keeping children safe
- Play and learning
- Research and reflective practice in an early childhood settings
An enriching experience
Studying Applied Early Childhood Development at HNC is an enriching experience. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and interests, broadening your horizons and building your cultural capital. These experiences are integral to life at HNC and will help you to stand out from the crowd. Some of the experiences our Applied Health and Social Care students enjoy include:
- Visiting guest speakers from a range of industries
- Trips and visits to key organisations and events to bring learning to life
- Working with local organisations such as nurseries and primary schools to build key employability skills
- Working with local charities to benefit the community
- The opportunity to undertake valuable work experiences placements within the early years sector
- Taking part in lunchtime enrichments such as Reading Stars and Speech Stars
Enlightening opportunities
We are proud of the unique experiences that are available to our students both inside and outside of the classroom. Our subject specialists will instil in you a love of learning, and challenge you to develop the required skills you’ll need to achieve the life-changing qualifications that will lead you to your dream career. Throughout your studies, your teachers will create an environment where you will be encouraged to discuss a wide-range of topics which will support you to develop an enlightened approach to the world around you. These discussions will be linked to your passions, study programme and your wider career ambitions.
How will you be assessed?
Assessment is via examination and coursework.
Where does it lead?
This course supports you to pursue a range of career paths, and there are many options available when pursuing a career working with children and young people. You could choose to progress to university level studies in areas such as Social Work, Early Years Development or Primary Teaching, or you could consider moving into the world of work or a degree level apprenticeship. As one of the biggest and most diverse employers, the early years sector offers you unique and almost endless career possibilities. Popular degree pathways for students who complete this course include:
- Social Work
- Early Years Teaching
- Childhood Studies
- Psychology
- Health and Social Care Studies
- Primary Teaching
- Sociology
- Psychology and Counselling
Perfect pairings
What does this course go well with or what may you like?
Good to Know
International research shows that children who spend longer in early years provision have better educational outcomes later on, showcasing just how important access to good quality early years education is!
