Early Parenting Fundamentals: intensive online course for… | QEC Skip to main content

Delivered by QEC in partnership with Monash University, Early Parenting Fundamentals explores the theory, evidence and approaches that inform early parenting practice.

This five-day intensive format offers a way to complete the unit over one week, making it an option for professionals who may find the usual semester-based format difficult to fit around work and other commitments. This course will run from 23 – 27 November 2026.

The course is designed for people working with young children and their families, as well as those looking to enter the early parenting field. It is relevant across a range of professional backgrounds and experience levels.

What will you learn?
On completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Critically analyse and synthesise the historical, legislative, practice and theoretical factors that influence early parenting experiences for parents/carers with children under 4 years of age.
  • Understand the importance of building parenting confidence and capacity, and apply theoretical approaches that foster this in early parenting.
  • Analyse approaches adopted in early parenting that empower the parenting role and optimise child outcomes.
  • Consider early parenting through a culturally diverse and inclusive lens, to create safe and welcoming places to learn, grow and parent.
  • Analyse and synthesise the evidence that informs child safety, with a focus on child abuse and harm, applying this knowledge in promoting child safety in early parenting and responding to child safety concerns when identified.
  • Understand the importance of social connectedness. Recognising the roles that parents, families, community and agencies all play in fostering connection and reducing social isolation.
     

Choose the study option that suits you
A non-assessed option is available at a lower cost for those who wish to complete the unit without the assessment component.

The usual semester-based format will also run in 2027, with dates to be announced soon.

Explore the course
Interested in taking part in the planned November intensive? Visit the Monash University website to explore the course content, fees and available study options: