Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching)

Why study the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) at UNE?

This degree is designed to meet the Australian Government's requirements for Early Childhood Education and to qualify graduates as four-year trained Early Childhood Teachers*.

*Please note: The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) is not recognised in NSW to teach in primary schools. This course is accredited with the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) as an approved early childhood teacher qualification. Prospective students from states other than NSW should seek advice from their state and territory accrediting bodies as to requirements for registration as an Early Childhood Teacher in that state or territory.

UNE's Early Childhood staff are an outstanding team whose teaching is informed by their research, consultancy, professional involvement and diverse backgrounds. They are involved in a wide range of projects and are actively involved in local, national and international professional and research communities. They also ensure you are treated as a 'person', not just a number, by supporting you and challenging you to achieve your personal best.

The career opportunities for early childhood graduates are increasing every year, especially in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia. We know that lots of people who want to study are also working full-time, which is why UNE offers this degree by distance education - giving students the flexibility to balance study with work, family and other commitments.

The course includes mandatory professional experience (practicum) of 30 to 60 days with 5 or 10 days outside your usual workplace (depending on your admission basis).

All Professional Experience must be completed in ACECQA-approved centre-based settings.

Career Opportunities

Early childhood teacher, coordinator/leader of cluster of services, early childhood advisor for governments, professional development educator, child and family services manager, early childhood expert for projects and studies, TAFE teacher, community advocate.

This degree also provides the necessary qualifications for senior positions in early childhood such as, Director of a Centre and teaching in the VET sector. Graduates of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) have a range of skills including organisational leadership, contemporary pedagogical understandings and interpersonal skills that are highly valued in all areas of life, not just early childhood occupations.

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Degree Snapshot

DURATION

1 or 2 Years Full-time
Up to 8 years Part-time

FEES

CSP
International

2017 STUDY OPTIONS
Armidale

Trimester 1, Off Campus
Trimester 2, Off Campus
Trimester 3, Off Campus

Official Abbreviation BEd(ECTeach)
Course Type Undergraduate
Commencing
Location Admission Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 1 Off Campus
Armidale Trimester 2 Off Campus
Armidale Trimester 3 Off Campus
Course Duration
  • 1 or 2 Years Full-time
  • Up to 8 years Part-time
Fees CSP / International
Total Credit Points 192
Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. See Unit Catalogue for specific requirements.

Entry Requirements

A candidate shall:

(a) (i) hold an AQF Level 5 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent, approved by the Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA); and (ii) have completed early childhood workplace experience comprising one year full-time (or equivalent) room leader experience after satisfying the above requirements or two years full-time (or equivalent) experience as a family day care accredited provider or an early childhood teacher assistant/aide or an accredited before and after school carer after satisfying the above requirements; and

(iii) meet the standard minimum English Language requirement as set out in the University's English Language Requirements for Admission Rule; or

(b) hold a three-year AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree in Early Childhood recognised by the Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), and

(i) provide evidence eg. Professional Experience Reports, that the Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood included at least 10 days Professional Experience with the Birth-2 age group; or

(ii) provide evidence (employer's letter on company letterhead) of at least 10 days experience with the Birth-2 age group acquired after the award of the Bachelor Degree.

Students not meeting criteria (i) and (ii) may be admitted but must complete the unit PREX310 Professional Experience Birth to 2 Years (10 days) in addition to the normal Program of Study.

Additional Requirements

Additional Requirements

Working with Children Check

All students intending to undertake a professional experience placement whose work is categorised as 'practical training as part of an educational or vocational course', in schools or other educational institutions (eg pre-schools, kindergartens and child care centres) must complete a Working with Children Check application.

Anaphylaxis Training

The NSW Department of Education requires that all initial teacher education students are trained in anaphylaxis management before they can undertake any professional experience in New South Wales public schools.

*These requirements are subject to change. Students are referred to the Office for Professional Learning - Professional Experience Placement webpage for current information (including requirements for other states).

Practical, Clinical or Work Experience

For students admitted under Rule (a), the course includes a mandatory sixty days of Professional Experience (PrEx) of which 10 days must be completed outside the student's usual workplace. For students admitted under Rule (b), the course includes a mandatory minimum thirty days of Professional Experience (PrEx) of which 5 days must be completed outside the student's usual workplace.

All Professional Experience must be completed in ACECQA-approved centre-based settings, and be balanced across the full range 0-5 years.

Students who have a disability that may or will prevent them from meeting the above professional experience requirements should contact the Special Needs Office.

Practical, Clinical or Work Experience

For students admitted under Rule (a), the course includes a mandatory sixty days of Professional Experience (PrEx) of which 10 days must be completed outside the student's usual workplace.

For students admitted under Rule (b), the course includes a mandatory minimum thirty days of Professional Experience (PrEx) of which 5 days must be completed outside the student's usual workplace.

All Professional Experience must be completed in ACECQA-approved centre-based settings.

Students who have a disability that may or will prevent them from meeting the above professional experience requirements should contact the Special Needs Office.

Advanced Standing

(a) Candidates admitted under Rule (a) shall be granted a maximum of 96 credit points of Block Advanced Standing based on their admission to candidature. Up to a further 48 credit points may be granted based on undergraduate Early Childhood units that were not part of the AQF Level 5 Diploma studies/approved Early Childhood work experience on which admission was based.

(b) Candidates admitted under Rule (b) shall be granted a maximum of 144 credit points of Block Advanced Standing based on their admission to candidature. Up to a further 24 credit points may be granted based on Early Childhood units that were not part of the degree on which admission was based.

Academic Colours

Violet (BCC 179)

Further Information

You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE

These course rules & plans are ONLY to be used if you commenced, transferred or changed versions in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) in 2017.

Admission to Candidature

A candidate shall:
(a) (i) hold an AQF Level 5 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent, approved by the Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA); and
(ii) have completed early childhood workplace experience comprising one year full-time (or equivalent) room leader experience after satisfying the above requirements or two years full-time (or equivalent) experience as a family day care accredited provider or an early childhood teacher assistant/aide or an accredited before and after school carer after satisfying the above requirements; and
(iii) meet the Standard Minimum English Language Requirement as set out in the University's English Language Requirements for Admission Rule; or
(b) hold a three-year AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree in Early Childhood recognised by the Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), and
(i) provide evidence eg. Professional Experience Reports, that the Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood included at least 10 days Professional Experience with the Birth-2 age group; or
(ii) provide evidence (employer's letter on company letterhead) of at least 10 days experience with the Birth-2 age group acquired after the award of the Bachelor Degree.
Students not meeting criteria (i) and (ii) may be admitted but must complete the unit PREX310 Professional Experience Birth to 2 Years (10 days) in addition to the normal Program of Study.

Additional Requirements
Working with Children Check

All students intending to undertake a professional experience placement whose work is categorised as 'practical training as part of an educational or vocational course', in schools or other educational institutions (eg pre-schools, kindergartens and child care centres) must complete a Working with Children Check application.

Anaphylaxis Training

The NSW Department of Education requires that all initial teacher education students are trained in anaphylaxis management before they can undertake any professional experience in New South Wales public schools.
*These requirements are subject to change. Students are referred to the Office for Professional Learning - Professional Experience Placement webpage for current information (including requirements for other states).

Practical, Clinical or Work Experience

For students admitted under Rule (a), the course includes a mandatory sixty days of Professional Experience (PrEx) of which 10 days must be completed outside the student’s usual workplace.
For students admitted under Rule (b), the course includes a mandatory minimum thirty days of Professional Experience (PrEx) of which 5 days must be completed outside the student’s usual workplace.

All Professional Experience must be completed in ACECQA-approved centre-based settings.

Students who have a disability that may or will prevent them from meeting the above professional experience requirements should contact the Special Needs Office.

Advanced Standing

Candidates admitted under Rule (a) shall be granted a maximum of 96 credit points of Block Advanced Standing based on their admission to candidature. Up to a further 48 credit points may be granted based on undergraduate Early Childhood units that were not part of the AQF Level 5 Diploma studies/approved Early Childhood work experience on which admission was based.

Candidates admitted under Rule (b) shall be granted a maximum of 144 credit points of Block Advanced Standing based on their admission to candidature. Up to a further 24 credit points may be granted based on Early Childhood units that were not part of the degree on which admission was based.

Period of Candidature

For candidates admitted under Rule (a) the period of candidature shall be:
(a) two years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to eight years as a part-time candidate.

For candidates admitted under Rule (b) the period of candidature shall be:
(a) one year as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to four years as a part-time candidate.

Course Requirements

To qualify for the award a candidate admitted under Rule (a) must pass units to the value of 192 credit points which include a minimum of 72 credit points at 300-level, 24 credit points at 400-level and 60 days of embedded professional experience.

To qualify for the award a candidate admitted under Rule (b) must pass units to the value of 192 credit points which include a minimum of 24 credit points at 300-level, 24 credit points at 400-level and 30 days of embedded professional experience.

Program of Study

Candidates shall complete the program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:

For candidates admitted under Rule (a)
Course Structure Credit Points
Block Advanced Standing 96 cps
Core Units (including 60 days of embedded Professional Experience) 96 cps
Total 192 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

For candidates admitted under Rule (b)
Course Structure Credit Points
Block Advanced Standing 144 cps
Core Units (including 30 days of embedded Professional Experience) 48 cps
Total 192 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

Award of the Degree

Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching).

Progress and Conduct

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Academic Progress.

Appeals

Candidates are referred to the Academic Assessment Appeals Policy and the Academic Assessment Appeals Procedures.

Course Progression

Candidates are referred to the Course Progression Rule and the Course Progression Procedures.

Improper Conduct

Candidates are referred to the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Rule and the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Procedures.

Course Aims

The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) aims to provide candidates with a professional qualification exceeding the minimum requirements for recognition by the Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) as an approved Early Childhood Teacher under the National Quality Framework (NQF).

Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
  1. demonstrate broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge; demonstrate well developed cognitive, technical and communication skills; and independently apply this knowledge and these skills, across the six areas prescribed by the Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority;
  2. independently apply their knowledge and skills in psychology and child development including learning, development and care, language development, social and emotional development, child health, wellbeing and safety and early intervention;
  3. independently apply their knowledge and skills in teaching pedagogies including alternative pedagogies and curriculum approaches, play-based pedagogies, guiding behaviour/engaging young learners, teaching methods and strategies, children with diverse needs and backgrounds, diversity, difference and inclusivity, learners with special needs, transitions and continuity of learning including transition to school;
  4. independently apply their knowledge and skills in education and curriculum studies including Early Years Learning Framework; the Australian curriculum, numeracy, science and technology, language and literacy, English as an additional language, social and environmental education, creative arts and music, physical and health education, and curriculum planning, programming and evaluation;
  5. independently apply their knowledge and skills in community and family contexts including developing family and community partnerships, multicultural education, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, socially inclusive practice and culture, diversity and inclusion;
  6. independently apply their knowledge and skills in history and philosophy of early childhood including historical and comparative perspectives, contemporary theories and practice, and ethics and professional practice;
  7. independently apply their knowledge and skills in early childhood professional practice including leadership, management and administration, professional identity and development, advocacy and research; and
  8. demonstrate written and oral communication skills to communicate effectively and build rapport across a range of stakeholders.
Graduate Attributes
Knowledge of a Discipline

Graduates of this course will demonstrate depth and breadth of knowledge of the discipline of Early Childhood Education. They will have demonstrated this through online activities and assessment tasks, and will have applied it through professional experience. They will be able to discuss and debate global perspectives of early childhood education and will understand and be able to articulate the place and importance of early childhood education in the Australian and global context. They will have broad and coherent knowledge of theories of child development, pedagogy and practices that are globally applicable.

Communication Skills

Graduates of this course will be able to communicate with young children, colleagues, families and the community in a clear and coherent manner. They will have demonstrated and practised this attribute through assessment activities and professional experience.

Problem Solving

Graduates of this course through their unit learning activities and assessment tasks will have developed a broad range of problem solving skills, specifically focussed on the discipline of early childhood education but broadly transferrable to other contexts. They will be able to work collaboratively with others to solve a variety of problems of different degrees of complexity, and also independently by applying their own judgement.

Information Literacy

Graduates of this course will be able to recognise relevant information and use appropriate media, tools and methodologies to locate, access, and use information. They will be able to critically evaluate sources of information, its value and validity, and use it to analyse, generate and transmit solutions to unpredictable and sometimes complex problems. They will also be familiar with e-learning technologies including Learning Management Systems and electronic media as a means of communication and have developed skills in their use.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Graduates will understand and practise the high standards of ethical behaviour associated with the discipline of early childhood education. They will demonstrate an understanding of social factors affecting educational outcomes and an understanding that their personal beliefs and actions impinge on others.

Lifelong Learning

Graduates of this course will have developed intellectual capacity and critical thinking skills. They will have demonstrated a capacity for self-directed learning. These skills are all transferrable to life-long learning.

Independence and Collaboration

Graduates will have developed the skills to work collaboratively with others to solve complex problems. Graduates will be aware that personal accountability is imperative as it affects the collaborative outcome.

How to Apply

Domestic Students

All domestic students apply through the link below

For more information, click here

International Students

International students apply direct to UNE through UNE International. This course is only available off-campus (distance education). All Professional Experience must be completed in ACECQA-approved centre-based settings.

For more information, click here

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