Course description
The course aims to produce early childhood educators who are expected to be competent in the areas of pedagogy, curriculum, assessment and evaluation, working in diverse centre and school contexts, to have a commitment to the whole person, to professional ethics and social justice. More specifically the course aims to develop the following attributes:
1. ability to be reflective, independent and flexible thinkers, open to new ideas and ways of learning and who understand the interconnected nature of knowledge and multidisciplinary approaches to learning;
2. understanding of the purpose of research and ability to undertake research in professional settings with a research-based approach to teaching and decision-making;
3. knowledge and skills which meet professional requirements for the education of children in early childhood centres and interpersonal collaborative skills for working in the education community;
4. an understanding of education and schooling with particular reference to the culture and practices of the Catholic school;
5. understanding of the content and pedagogy of the curriculum areas of early childhood education with a commitment to ethical professional standards and practices, and to the advancement of the teaching profession;
6. ability to promote a flexible, independent and dynamic learning environment using appropriate technologies;
7. concern for the dignity of each person, their individual needs and rights, and for the pastoral care of children;
8. respect for religious, social and cultural diversity, a commitment to good citizenship and a spirit of service to the community and concern for the environment;
9. responsiveness to issues of social justice such as economic disadvantage and personal disability, and issues of equity of gender, race and ethnicity.
Early childhood education has significant opportunities for articulation with existing programs including the Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood), Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary), and Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Early Childhood).
Professional Experience
Students must complete professional experience units during which time they are required to be available full-time.
Employment Screening / Police Check
Students accepting a place in this course are required to participate in a number of professional placements throughout their program. In order to participate in professional experience it is the responsibility of each student to ensure that they are able to successfully complete the child protection screening required in their State. Students, who are not cleared for working with children and therefore not be able to be placed in a compulsory professional placement, will not be able to complete their course.
English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.5
Teacher registration requires students to meet the English language requirements in their state. It is the student's responsibility to develop their English language skills during their candidature to ensure that they meet the registration guidelines, which usually require a score of at least 7.0 in each of the IELTS bands.
