Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

Program Overview

Deakin University's Bachelor of Early Childhood Education equips students with a comprehensive understanding of early childhood education theories, child development, and teaching practices. Graduates are qualified to work in various early childhood settings, including preschools, kindergartens, and long day care centers, and are committed to providing high-quality educational experiences for children aged birth to 5 years. The program is approved by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and includes 80 days of supervised professional experience.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (ECE) at Deakin University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of early childhood education curriculum theories and pedagogies, child development, health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, professional studies, and teaching and learning in discipline areas such as literacy, mathematics, science, and the arts. The program prepares graduates to become highly qualified early childhood educators, with a strong foundation in evidence-based practices and a commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education experiences for children aged birth to 5 years. Graduates will possess the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to create inclusive and engaging learning environments, foster children's holistic development, and collaborate effectively with families, colleagues, and the wider community. The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is also approved by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) as an early childhood teaching qualification in Australia.

Outline:

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education consists of 24 credit points, including:

• 24 credit points of core units
• A maximum of 10 credit points at Level 1
• A minimum of 6 credit points at Level 3 or above
The program includes 80 days of supervised professional experience in early childhood education and care settings. The program is structured around the following key areas:
• Curriculum and Pedagogy: Students will develop a deep understanding of early childhood curriculum theories and pedagogies, and how to apply them in practice.
They will also learn about the importance of creating inclusive and engaging learning environments that support children's holistic development.
• Child Development: Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of child development from birth to 5 years, including physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
They will learn about the factors that influence child development, and how to create environments that support children's optimal development.
• Health and Wellbeing: Students will learn about the importance of health and wellbeing for young children, and how to promote healthy practices in early childhood settings.
They will also learn about the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect, and how to respond appropriately.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Students will develop an understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion in early childhood education, and how to create inclusive environments that welcome and support all children.
They will also learn about the specific needs of children from diverse backgrounds, including children with disabilities and children from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
• Professional Studies: Students will develop the professional knowledge and skills necessary to be effective early childhood educators.
They will learn about the ethical and legal responsibilities of early childhood educators, and how to work effectively with families and colleagues.
• Teaching and Learning: Students will develop the teaching and learning skills necessary to be effective early childhood educators.
They will learn about the different teaching methods and strategies that can be used in early childhood settings, and how to assess children's learning.

Assessment:

Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Assignments: Students will complete a range of assignments, such as essays, reports, and presentations, to demonstrate their understanding of the course content.
• Exams: Students will complete exams to assess their knowledge and understanding of the course content.
• Practical assessments: Students will complete practical assessments, such as lesson plans and observations, to demonstrate their teaching skills and ability to apply their knowledge in practice.

Teaching:

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is taught by a team of experienced and passionate early childhood educators who are committed to providing students with a high-quality learning experience. The program is taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, workshops, and practical experiences. Students will also have the opportunity to undertake research projects and present their findings at conferences.

Careers:

Graduates of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education are qualified to work in a variety of early childhood settings, including:

• Preschools: Graduates can work as preschool teachers, providing educational and care services to children aged 3 to 5 years.
• Kindergartens: Graduates can work as kindergarten teachers, providing educational and care services to children aged 4 to 6 years.
• Long day care centers: Graduates can work as long day care educators, providing care and education to children aged birth to 5 years.
• Family day care: Graduates can work as family day care educators, providing care and education to children aged birth to 5 years in a home-based setting.
• Special needs settings: Graduates can work as special needs educators, providing specialized care and education to children with disabilities.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education may also pursue further studies in the field of early childhood education, such as a Master of Education or a Doctor of Education.