In Unit 1, Foundations of Childhood Development, trainees receive an extensive overview of birth to 3 development, micro-relationships and environment modulate growth. This course has an emphasis on sensitive, unbiased observation and understanding of how routines and play reveal trajectories and needs. Material includes developmental neurobiology, risk/resilience progressions by domain, and the ways culture, relationships and environment modulate growth.

By the end of this unit, trainees will be able to:

• Identify and describe key milestones across all domains (0–3).

• Analyse environmental, biological and social factors influencing development.

• Observe and interpret developmental progress using neutral, evidence-based notes.

• Recognise early signs of developmental delay and plan supportive responses.

• Explain how holistic, play-based experiences support integrated growth.