Course

Bachelor of Education - Early Childhood Education

Approved Abbreviation: BEd-ECEd

Western Sydney University Course Code: 2241E.1

From 2005, prospective students should refer to the following courses:

1615 Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (Child and Family)

1625 Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)

The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) prepares students for employment as teachers in early childhood settings including preschools, childcare centres and K-2 classes in primary schools. The course is a recognised teaching qualification in NSW primary schools.Students who satisfy course requirements of the Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood) component (the first three years of the program) may exit with this degree. The fourth year -- the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) -- may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis by flexible learning, including a distance education option.The course fosters students' understanding of child development and socio-cultural contexts and curriculum as the basis for planning and teaching in early childhood settings. It develops knowledge, skills and attitudes which enable graduates to work effectively with parents, colleagues, other professionals and community members. It prepares graduates with skills in curriculum development and in administration, management and planning of early childhood services. Students are encouraged to identify strongly with the early childhood profession and to continue their personal education.\\subsubs{About the courseUnits take into account the development of students' caring and teaching competencies within early childhood services, and the additional requirements for early childhood educators of knowledge, understanding, dispositions and skills in working with adults and in the management of early childhood services. Units focus on students' conceptual analysis of, and reflection on, their personal and teaching experience. Students graduate with a range of professional experiences that enable them to teach in a range of early childhood education settings including schools (K-2 classes).\\subsubs{Computer useStudents are expected to develop a range of information and communication technology competencies. Students demonstrate these competencies through core units such as 20035 Early Childhood Pedagogy: Traditional Discourses of Play, 20036 Early Childhood Pedagogy: Programming for Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers, and 11079 Mathematics in Early Childhood Education and in practice teaching.

Study Mode
Four years of full-time study or part-time equivalent, Penrith campus. Part-time students must be available to complete block teaching practice sessions of four weeks duration, normally held in September.

Advanced standing

Students who have completed a Diploma or Associate Diploma of Social Science (Child Studies) from a TAFE College (or equivalent) are normally eligible for advanced standing equivalent to 12 units.Students with an existing primary teaching qualification (degree) may obtain a 0-5 years qualification by completing the one year Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood), or the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education). Students completing the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) normally receive up to 16 units (two years) advanced standing. The Bachelor of Teaching component of the course can then be completed in the equivalent of two sessions of study.\\subsubs{Early Childhood DegreelinkThe Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) articulates with the TAFE Associate Diploma or Diploma level courses in childcare or children's services. Students with the TAFE qualification normally complete 12 units (three sessions) of study to graduate with the Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood) degree. This degree qualifies graduates to teach in schools (K-2), preschools and childcare centres. Students with a TAFE childcare certificate (two years of full-time study) or equivalent other university approved two-year childcare qualification may be granted up to eight units of advanced standing.

Admission

This course is not taking new intakes after 2001. Prospective applicants should refer to the new Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood), course code 1508.

Special Requirements Prerequisites
In NSW, students in teacher education courses undergo a police check to ascertain the nature of any criminal record before being allowed to undertake professional experience in schools or early childhood services.

Course Structure

Study Sequence

Full-Time

Year 1: Autumn session

Spring session

20001

Understanding Education 1

20034

Early Childhood Pedagogy: Integrated Programming

Year 1: Spring session

Spring session

20036