Infant Development: Overview for Health & Rehabilitation

Infant neurodevelopment is a dynamic process shaped by the interaction between genetics, biology, caregiving, and the environment. In the Western Cape, healthcare professionals work within a diverse population where social determinants of health, access to healthcare, nutrition, and early life experiences significantly influence developmental outcomes. Understanding typical infant development, recognising developmental delays early on, and implementing timely interventions are essential to improving long-term health and participation.

The purpose of this course is to equip allied health and rehabilitation professionals with foundational knowledge and practical skills to support infant neurodevelopment within the Western Cape healthcare context. The course aims to develop an understanding of typical infant development, the biological and environmental factors that influence developmental outcomes, and the importance of early identification and intervention during the critical first years of life.

About the course

Course Design: Self-directed
Duration: It will take about 4 hours to complete.
Eligibility for this course:
This training is designed for Rehabilitation Practitioners and Therapeutic Health Professionals who work with infants and young children. It is also relevant to other healthcare professionals involved in early childhood care and development, who may benefit from the knowledge, skills, and practical strategies presented in the training.
Accreditation: This course is accredited for:
• HPCSA: 4 Clinical CPD points (Level 1)
• WCDHW Nursing: 3 CPD points in Area of Practice
Certification: Participants need 70% pass mark for final quiz.
Published: October 2026

If you meet the eligibility criteria, apply to start:

Your supervisor details are required

Apply to enroll

Course outline

This course covers the following content:

Infant Development: Overview for Health and Rehabilitation Professionals
Module 1: Developmental concepts First 1000 days Biopsychosocial perspective Toxic stress Adverse childhood experiences Protective factors Module 2: Typical infant development Chronological and corrected gestational age Core domains Birth to 6 weeks Early communication in the newborn 3 months 6 months 9 months 12 months Module 3: Infant neuromotor assessment Importance of early assessment Principles of assessment Contextually relevant screening tools Antenatal history Birth history Postnatal history Social history Developmental history Infant developmental assessment Behaviour and interaction: red flags Neurological exam Physical assessment Module 4: Early intervention principles Physiotherapy Occupational therapy Speech therapy Module 5: Special clinical populations Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy Down Syndrome Module 6: Referral and resources Urgent referral Referral within 4–6 weeks Standardised referral information Role players Module 7: Conclusion

Infant Development: Overview for Health and Rehabilitation Professionals

Module 1: Developmental concepts
- First 1000 days
- Biopsychosocial perspective
- Toxic stress
- Adverse childhood experiences
- Protective factors
Module 2: Typical infant development
- Chronological and corrected gestational age
- Core domains
- Birth to 6 weeks
- Early communication in the newborn
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 12 months
Module 3: Infant neuromotor assessment
- Importance of early assessment
- Principles of assessment
- Contextually relevant screening tools
- Antenatal history
- Birth history
- Postnatal history
- Social history
- Developmental history
- Infant developmental assessment
- Behaviour and interaction: red flags
- Neurological exam
- Physical assessment
Module 4: Early intervention principles
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
Module 5: Special clinical populations
- Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
- Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy
- Down Syndrome
Module 6: Referral and resources
- Urgent referral
- Referral within 4–6 weeks
- Standardised referral information
- Role players
Module 7: Conclusion

Western Cape Government Department of Health and Wellness
People Development Centre

Acknowledgements:

University of Cape Town’s Knowledge & Instructional Development (KIDS) Training Hub
Knowledge Translation Unit