Language, Communication and Family Support for Children

Language, Communication and Family Support for Children brings together three complementary courses, each with eight modules. The curriculum combines subject knowledge, responsible role boundaries and practical work.

Who can attend?

Open to everyone for personal development, learning and professional awareness. Parents seeking to understand children's communication development; people considering support roles in preschools, study centres and special-education organisations; and people working in parent communication, early-childhood activities and social projects.

Curriculum

Speech and Language Difficulties Awareness

1. Communication and language development

Explain receptive language, expressive language, articulation, fluency and communication development.

2. Developmental signs by age

Cover expected communication skills in early childhood and the need to assess developmental differences.

3. Awareness of speech sounds and fluency

Describe examples of articulation difficulties, stammering and rapid speech without making diagnoses.

4. Hearing and environmental factors

Cover hearing assessment, screen use, interaction quality and conditions that influence language development.

5. Supportive conversations with families

Work on explaining observations to families, avoiding stigmatising language and providing information safely.

6. Communication environments at home and school

Plan educational activities involving reading, turn-taking and encouraging conversation.

7. Distinguishing professional responsibilities

Clarify the diagnostic and rehabilitation responsibilities of speech and language therapists and the role of support staff.

8. Referral and follow-up communication

Prepare a referral note for authorised specialists and a family communication plan.

Child Therapy Awareness

1. Stages of child development

Examine cognitive, social and emotional characteristics of preschool, school-age and adolescent development.

2. Safe communication with children

Cover age-appropriate language, active listening and respect for children's views.

3. Play and expressing emotions

Explain learning through play, naming emotions and creating space for expression.

4. Understanding behaviour in context

Evaluate the function of behaviour, environmental conditions and the influence of adult attitudes.

5. Parent-teacher cooperation

Develop information sharing, positive feedback and shared support routines.

6. Children's rights and safeguarding

Introduce privacy, child safety, bullying and warning signs of neglect and abuse.

7. Recognising clinical warning signs

Cover referral to appropriate specialists, without conducting assessments, when persistent impairment or developmental concerns arise.

8. Observation and referral portfolio

Prepare non-diagnostic observation notes, a parent-conversation framework and a referral plan.

Family Counselling

1. Family systems and the life cycle

Examine family roles, life stages, boundaries and the everyday effects of changes within the family.

2. Safe communication and active listening

Practise non-judgemental listening, open-ended questions, I-statements and feedback that reduces misunderstandings.

3. Conflict resolution and negotiation

Analyse solution-focused conversations about household responsibilities, conflicting expectations and disagreements.

4. Parenting and intergenerational communication

Evaluate developmentally appropriate communication, family meetings and consistent boundaries.

5. Awareness of family stress and crises

Recognise sources of support and signs that professional help may be needed during moves, unemployment, bereavement and separation.

6. Ethical principles and privacy

Cover fundamental principles of consent, confidentiality, personal data, professional boundaries and child protection.

7. Referral in high-risk situations

Work through support and referral to authorised institutions in cases of violence, abuse, severe psychological distress and urgent safety risks.

8. Case analysis and a support plan

Use a fictional example to prepare a needs map, identify family resources, write conversation notes and plan appropriate referrals.

Integrated practical portfolio

Create a developmental-communication information leaflet, a sample parent-conversation form and a specialist-referral and follow-up flowchart.

Professional boundaries and certificate scope

Assessment and rehabilitation of speech and language disorders require the relevant professional degree and legal conditions; this programme does not confer the title of speech and language therapist. It does not confer the titles of child therapist, psychologist or clinical psychologist, or authority to provide therapy to children. Family-counsellor practice requires the relevant degree, legally compliant education and other legal conditions; this package alone does not confer that authority.

Frequently asked questions

Which courses are included?

Speech and Language Difficulties Awareness · Child Therapy Awareness · Family Counselling

Who can attend?

Open to everyone for personal development, learning and professional awareness. Parents seeking to understand children's communication development; people considering support roles in preschools, study centres and special-education organisations; and people working in parent communication, early-childhood activities and social projects.

Does this package confer professional practice authority?

Assessment and rehabilitation of speech and language disorders require the relevant professional degree and legal conditions; this programme does not confer the title of speech and language therapist. It does not confer the titles of child therapist, psychologist or clinical psychologist, or authority to provide therapy to children. Family-counsellor practice requires the relevant degree, legally compliant education and other legal conditions; this package alone does not confer that authority.