Cache level 3 Early Years Educator Unit 3.9 Developing Children’s Cognitive Skills from birth to 7 years
1. Understand cognitive development in children
1.1 Describe sensory development in the first year of life – this can be written in a few sentences – no major details required.
1.2 Identify the stages of cognitive development in children from birth to 7 years – this can be written in a few sentences – no major details required.
1.3 Summarise current scientific research relating to neurological and brain development. Please make reference to the fact that the brain has plasticity and can recover over time.
1.4 Explain how current scientific research relating to neurological and brain development in early years influences practice in early years settings.
Section 1.3 and 1.4 require more depth so will take up a heavier weighting of the word count.
Focus on understanding the cognitive and sensory development at each stage (Cephalocaudal/proximodistal pre-birth, 0-3months, 3-6months, 9-12 months etc.).
2. Understand Theory underpinning cognitive development – this section is to take up a heavier weighting of the word count.
2.1 Describe theoretical perspectives in relation to cognitive development.
2.2 Analyse how theoretical perspectives in relation to cognitive development impact on current practice.
Focus on:
– Describe the theory (pros and cons).
– 2 types of biological theory (predetermined, nature etc) and learning (nurture/environment)
– 2 types of theorists – Constructivist and Behaviourist
– 3 theorists – Piaget (5 aspects fits into 4 stages sensorimotor, preperational, concrete, etc) Vygotsky and Bandura.
