Training Course on Child Psychology and Adolescent Development for School Counselors

Course Outline

Module 1: Foundations of Child and Adolescent Development

ü  Overview of major developmental theories (e.g., psychoanalytic, behavioral, cognitive, ecological)

ü  Nature vs. Nurture debate in development

ü  Key developmental stages and milestones

ü  Understanding individual differences in development

ü  The role of the school environment in child and adolescent development

ü  Practical Session: Identifying Developmental Milestones Across Different Age Groups

 

Module 2: Cognitive Development: Theories and Applications

ü  Piaget's stages of cognitive development and their implications for learning

ü  Vygotsky's sociocultural theory: Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

ü  Information Processing Theory and cognitive strategies

ü  Language development and its impact on learning and social interaction

ü  Supporting cognitive growth in the classroom

ü  Practical Session: Analyzing Student Behavior Through a Cognitive Development Lens

 

Module 3: Social and Emotional Development: Childhood

ü  Erikson's stages of psychosocial development (early childhood to pre-adolescence)

ü  Attachment theory and its impact on social relationships

ü  Development of self-concept and self-esteem

ü  Peer relationships, play, and social skills

ü  Understanding emotional regulation in children

ü  Practical Session: Discussing Strategies to Support Emotional Regulation in Young Children

 

Module 4: Social and Emotional Development: Adolescence

ü  Identity formation (Erikson's Identity vs. Role Confusion)

ü  Peer influence, social groups, and conformity

ü  Development of romantic relationships and sexuality

ü  Autonomy, independence, and parent-adolescent relationships

ü  Emotional intensity and mood swings in adolescence

ü  Practical Session: Analyzing Challenges in Adolescent Peer Relationships

 

Module 5: Moral Development and Character Education

ü  Kohlberg's stages of moral development

ü  Gilligan's critique and alternative perspectives

ü  Promoting ethical reasoning and decision-making in students

ü  The role of empathy and prosocial behavior

ü  Integrating character education into the school environment

ü  Practical Session: Facilitating a Discussion on an Ethical Dilemma with a Focus on Moral Reasoning

 

Module 6: Common Developmental Challenges in Childhood

ü  Understanding anxiety and depression in children

ü  Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and its impact

ü  Learning disabilities and their manifestations

ü  Behavioral challenges and effective interventions

ü  Supporting children through grief and trauma

ü  Practical Session: Developing a Support Plan for a Child with a Specific Developmental Challenge

 

Module 7: Common Developmental Challenges in Adolescence

ü  Mental health issues: depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm

ü  Substance use and abuse in adolescents

ü  Risk-taking behaviors and peer pressure

ü  Bullying and cyberbullying: impact and intervention

ü  Supporting LGBTQ+ youth and addressing gender identity issues

ü  Practical Session: Responding to an Adolescent in Crisis (Role-Play)

 

Module 8: Risk and Protective Factors in Child and Adolescent Development

ü  Identifying individual, family, school, and community risk factors

ü  Understanding protective factors that foster resilience

ü  The impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

ü  Building resilience in students through coping skills and support systems

ü  Early intervention and prevention strategies

ü  Practical Session: Creating a Profile of Risk and Protective Factors for a Hypothetical Student

 

Module 9: Developmentally Appropriate Counseling Approaches

ü  Play therapy techniques for young children

ü  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles for children and adolescents

ü  Solution-focused brief therapy in a school context

ü  Group counseling for specific issues (e.g., social skills, anger management)

ü  Crisis intervention strategies for students

ü  Practical Session: Practicing a Brief Solution-Focused Counseling Intervention

 

Module 10: Collaboration and Ethical Practice in School Counseling

ü  Collaborating with teachers, administrators, and parents/guardians

ü  Referral processes to external mental health services

ü  Confidentiality guidelines and reporting mandates (e.g., child protection)

ü  Professional boundaries and self-care for counselors

ü  Ethical decision-making in complex school scenarios

ü  Practical Session: Discussing a Scenario Involving Confidentiality and Mandatory Reporting

About Our Trainers

Our trainers are highly accomplished professionals with extensive experience in their respective fields. This includes seasoned Chief Learning Officers who have spearheaded organizational learning and knowledge management initiatives in complex global organizations, experienced Career Advisors with a proven track record of guiding individuals through diverse career paths and transitions, and expert School Counselors and child psychologists who possess deep understanding of child and adolescent development and have provided vital support in educational settings. Our trainers bring a wealth of practical insights, having navigated complex challenges and implemented innovative solutions in real-world settings. They are not only experts in their subject matter but also skilled educators, committed to fostering an engaging and intellectually stimulating learning environment through hands-on exercises, case studies, and collaborative activities.

 

Quality Statement

Armstrong Global Institute is committed to delivering high-quality, relevant, and impactful training programs. Our courses are developed based on international best practices, contemporary research, and the latest advancements in organizational learning, career development, and child psychology. We continuously update our curriculum to reflect evolving theories, technological innovations, and emerging challenges in the respective fields. Our dedication to quality is reflected in our distinguished trainers, rigorous methodologies, and commitment to providing participants with advanced practical skills and in-depth knowledge that can be immediately applied in their professional roles. We strive to foster a learning environment that promotes critical thinking, innovation, and strategic problem-solving.

Admission Criteria

ü  Participants should be reasonably proficient in English. 

ü  Applicants must live up to Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

1. Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free
2. What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.
3. Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.
4. The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.
5. Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training.

Or call us on +254720272325 / +254737296202

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

1. Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.
2. Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.
3. Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

1. Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.
2. Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.
3. No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Tailor Made Courses

This training course can also be customized for your institution upon request for a minimum of 5 participants. You can have it conducted at our Training Centre or at a convenient location.

For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202 or Email training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com

Accommodation and Airport Transfer

Accommodation and Airport Transfer is arranged upon request and at extra cost. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202