DCEX1204: Guidance and Counseling Course Code

Children face many challenges that can affect their development and survival. This course addresses the unique challenges young children face today. The reality for many children includes: confronting the impacts of the HIV and AIDS pandemic. Enduring poverty, grappling with food insecurity, and surviving violence and abuse. Such experiences can leave profound scars and trauma, affecting their development and overall well-being. This course aims to shed light on the critical questions that shape our understanding of childhood and the complex experiences of children facing these adversities. By exploring the principles of guidance and counselling within early childhood care and education (ECCE), this course seeks to equip pre-primary teacher trainees with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to offer hope and support to these vulnerable children. Trainees will learn to navigate young learners' emotional, social, and psychological needs, providing a foundation for their healthy development and resilience in the face of challenges.