The Professional Development Award (PDA) in Childhood Practice provides a programme of units, which promote personal and professional development. The award will give those individuals the opportunity to consolidate extensive work experience and advance their learning beyond that of a practitioner.

The award is presented with a mandatory section considered to be necessary to underpin the execution of duties at an advanced practitioner/managerial level. However, the inclusion of the specialist option section allows a wider target audience reflecting the diverse provision for those working in early education, childcare and playwork sectors. Options have been included in the award to reflect a variety of job roles. In addition the options can be used as stand alone units to meet the requirements of the Scottish Social Services Council in terms of continuing professional development.

The award will be applicable to those working in childcare and playwork sectors, to both Advanced Practitioners and Managers – the units are suitable for both groups of staff. This has been taken into account when designing the unit content and assessments. For example the Graded Unit and Sociology of Childhood prepares students for study at Level 9.

There will be assessment of workplace practice – where possible the assessments will reflect current practice and candidates undertaking the award should be in employment or have access to a suitable work placement.

On completion of the PDA Childhood Practice over 18 months, students will gain 64 Scottish credits at Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework Level 8. Students will then be given the opportunity to continue studying for a further 6 months to gain an additional 60 credits. This will enable progression with a total of 120 credits at Level 8 on to the BA Childhood Practice at SCQF Level 9.

PROGRAMME CONTENT

The following units will be studied

Mandatory

F570 35: Childhood Practice: Graded Unit 2 (1 credit)

DN1H 35: Managing Quality in Early Education & Childcare Settings (1 credit)

F56Y 35: Childhood Practice & Social Services: Developing Leadership (2 credits)

F56B 35: Developing Professional Childhood Practice (1 credit)

F56A 35: Integrated Working & Collaborative Practice (1 credit)

OPTIONAL UNITS

2 credits to be selected

DN89 35: Manage a Quality Curriculum (1 credit)

DN1L 35: Managing the Implementation of the Values and Principles of Playwork (1 credit)

DN88 35: Sociology of Childhood (1 credit)

DF58 34: Promoting Language, Literacy & Numeracy in Early Education & Childcare (1 credit)

DN86 35: International Perspectives in Early Education & Childcare (1 credit)

DG5D 35: Team Working in Care Settings (1 credit)

AIMS

General Aims - the award has a broad range of aims applicable to all HN Qualifications, for example:

 Develop transferable skills including core skills

 Develop personal effectiveness

 Develop critical, evaluative and analytical skills and an ability to synthesis concepts and ideas

 Develop problem solving skills

 Enable progression within the SCQF framework

Facilities and Resources

The college libraries across UHI have an extensive range of recent publications and texts to enable advanced study in this discipline.

Mode of Study

The PDA units will be delivered by using a blended learning approach of online study through a virtual learning environment and specific tutor-led workshops. Tutor support will also be available by telephone, e-mail and at the workshop sessions. As these workshops will be held via video conference, it is possible to use the ICT facilities in any of the North Highland College campuses to take part.

Assessments

In the PDA there will be approximately two assessments for each unit. These will be scheduled with set submission dates. Students will have two attempts at each assessment. In most cases the assessments will be workplace related and contribute to continued improvement in work practice.

Study Skills

Advice and support will be given to all students in the production of work for this course which will be acceptable for SCQF level 8, second year degree standard required. It is recommended that students purchase two books to support them throughout this course

Cottrell, S. (2008). ‘The Study Skills Handbook’ Hampshire, Palgrave-Macmillan

Pears, R. and Sheilds G. ‘Cite them right’ ISBN 0955121604

Fees

All PDA units are charged at the current rate: contact College for details.

Additional fees will be incurred during the final six months of study. These will depend upon individual requirements.

Note that this course has been approved by ILA Scotland: it is therefore possible to use a current £200 Individual Learning Account (ILA200) to help towards the cost of the course. (Visit their website http://www.ilascotland.org.uk/ or call 0808 100 1090 for more information).

Students in receipt of Family Tax Credits are eligible for a Fee Waiver.

How do I join?