Advanced OSHAA 30-Hours Child Development Play Therapy
The OSHAA 30-Hours Diploma in Child Development Play Therapy is a specialized training program designed to provide learners with a strong understanding of child growth, emotional development, and therapeutic play techniques. This course introduces the principles of play therapy and explains how structured play activities can support children in expressing feelings, building confidence, and overcoming behavioral and emotional challenges. It is ideal for teachers, caregivers, counselors, and child development professionals.
Aligned with internationally recognized occupational safety and health principles, this course also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe, supportive, and child-friendly environment. Learners will explore risk assessment, safeguarding practices, infection prevention, and effective supervision to ensure the well-being of children during therapeutic and educational activities. These safety-focused practices are essential when working with young children in schools, clinics, and childcare settings.
Throughout the 30-hour program, participants will develop practical skills to use play-based interventions that promote communication, emotional resilience, and healthy development. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped to create secure and nurturing environments where children can grow, heal, and thrive through the power of play therapy.
OSHAA 30-Hours Diploma in Child Development: Play Therapy
The OSHAA 30-Hours Diploma in Child Development Play Therapy is open to anyone interested in supporting children’s emotional and developmental needs through safe and effective play-based techniques.
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be 18 years or older.
- Educational Background: A high school diploma or basic qualifications in Child Development, Psychology, or Early Childhood Education are recommended.
- Language and Experience: Basic English proficiency is required. No prior experience is necessary.
This course is suitable for beginners as well as professionals working in education, childcare, counseling, and healthcare.
Study Units
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Child Development (4 Hours)
- Identify key stages of child development from infancy to adolescence
- Understand the cognitive, emotional, and social growth of children
- Recognise factors influencing healthy child development
- Analyse common developmental challenges and delays
Fundamentals of Play Therapy (4 Hours)
- Define play therapy and its role in child development
- Explore the history and evolution of play therapy
- Understand the benefits of play-based interventions for children
- Identify different settings where play therapy can be applied
Theoretical Approaches to Play Therapy (5 Hours)
- Compare major theories underpinning play therapy, including psychoanalytic, humanistic, and cognitive-behavioural approaches
- Understand how different theoretical models influence play therapy techniques
- Evaluate the effectiveness of various theoretical approaches in different contexts
- Apply theoretical knowledge to case study scenarios
Child Psychology and Emotional Development (3 Hours)
- Understand the psychological and emotional needs of children at different developmental stages
- Recognise signs of emotional distress and behavioural concerns in children
- Explore the impact of family, environment, and life experiences on child psychology
- Develop strategies to support children’s emotional well-being
Play-Based Interventions and Techniques (4 Hours)
- Learn various play therapy techniques such as role-play, storytelling, and sand tray therapy
- Understand how different types of play support emotional expression and healing
- Assess which interventions are suitable for specific emotional and behavioural challenges
- Develop skills to create a safe and engaging play therapy environment
Communication and Therapeutic Relationships (3 Hours)
- Develop effective communication skills for engaging with children in therapy
- Understand the importance of non-verbal communication in play therapy
- Build trust and rapport with children through play-based techniques
- Learn strategies for working with parents and caregivers in the therapeutic process
Working with Children Experiencing Trauma and Anxiety (3 Hours)
- Identify symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and stress in children
- Understand the impact of trauma on a child’s emotional and psychological well-being
- Explore play therapy techniques tailored for children dealing with trauma and anxiety
- Develop strategies to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment
Ethical Considerations and Safeguarding in Play Therapy (4 Hours)
- Understand the ethical responsibilities of play therapy practitioners
- Learn best practices for safeguarding and child protection
- Explore confidentiality, consent, and professional boundaries in play therapy
- Recognise the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in therapy
The OSHAA 30-Hours Diploma in Child Development Play Therapy provides learners with practical knowledge and professional skills to support children’s emotional, social, and cognitive development through therapeutic play.
- Understand Child Development: Learn the key stages of physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth in children.
- Master Play Therapy Techniques: Develop practical skills to use play-based methods for emotional expression and healing.
- Promote Emotional Well-Being: Help children manage stress, anxiety, trauma, and behavioral challenges effectively.
- Enhance Communication Skills: Build stronger connections with children through observation and responsive interaction.
- Apply Safeguarding Practices: Understand child protection principles and responsibilities in professional settings.
- Maintain Safe Environments: Implement risk assessment and safety procedures during therapy and play activities.
- Support Special Needs: Adapt play therapy strategies for children with developmental or emotional difficulties.
- Strengthen Professional Confidence: Gain the knowledge needed to work effectively with children and families.
- Improve Career Opportunities: Increase your qualifications for roles in education, counseling, and childcare.
- Earn Recognized Certification: Receive an OSHAA 30-Hours diploma to demonstrate your specialized training.
This diploma is ideal for individuals who work with or aspire to work with children in therapeutic, educational, and social care settings. It is suitable for:
- Teachers and Early Childhood Educators
Enhance your ability to support children’s emotional and psychological development through play-based techniques. - Counsellors and Mental Health Professionals
Gain specialised training in play therapy to help children express emotions and overcome psychological challenges. - Social Workers and Child Welfare Professionals
Develop essential skills to support vulnerable children dealing with trauma, anxiety, and behavioural difficulties. - Healthcare and Childcare Professionals
Learn play therapy interventions to assist children in hospital, clinical, and daycare settings. - Parents and Caregivers
Understand how to use therapeutic play techniques to support your child’s emotional well-being and development. - Psychology and Social Science Students
Build a strong foundation in child development and play therapy as a step towards a career in child psychology or therapy.
This course is designed to equip participants with practical and theoretical knowledge, making it beneficial for professionals across various fields working with children.
