School Of EducationEarly Learning EnvironmentsWestern Sydney University Unit Code: 102622.1
Discipline: TEACHER EDUCATION: EARLY CHILDHOOD
Student Contribution Band: 1
Level: 7
Credit Points: 10
Unit Enrolment Restrictions
Students must be enrolled in 1783 Master of Teaching (Birth-5 Years/Birth-12 Years) or 1708 Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Birth - 5 / Birth -12) or 6017 Diploma in Arts/Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Birth-5/Birth-12)
About this Unit
From 2020 students should note that core units are now taught in semesters rather than half yearly sessions. This unit engages students in researching the role of physical environments that support children’s learning in early childhood and community settings. Students will investigate the changing nature of indoor and outdoor spaces that support children’s learning. Theoretical perspectives, including indigenous perspectives, human/nature theories, socio-cultural influences and place-based pedagogies will be referenced and applied in conjunction with relevant policy and regulation documents around risk, play and pedagogy. Through field visits to early childhood and community settings students will plan, design and rationalize indoor and outdoor learning environments that support children’s investigation and discovery using natural and open-ended materials and will present their designs as a community advocacy project. The overall focus of this unit is for students to develop an understanding and appreciation for learning environments that promote a connection to place and sustainability.
Special Requirements - Legislative Pre-requisites
1. Students are required to complete a Working with Children Check leading to the issuance of a clearance number under the category of volunteer. Students will need to: i.Access the Office of the Children’s Guardian website and complete an online application form to generate an application number. ii.Present an application number and identification to a NSW Motor Registry or Government Access Centre prior to issuance by mail of a Working with Children Check number. iii. Email the letter with a valid Working with Children Check number to: enrolments@westernsydney.edu.au to facilitate processing of a school placement where the document is trimmed and recorded in Callista as a Special Requirement. 2. Students must also complete the online Child Protection Awareness Training prior to undertaking any visits/placements. Students who have not completed Child Protection Awareness Training will need to withdraw from the unit. 3. Students must complete the ASCIA anaphylaxis e-training and email their certificate to AnphylaxisEc@westernsydney.edu.au 4. Students must meet the Inherent Requirements for the Master of Teaching (Birth – 5 Years / Birth -12 Years)
Special Requirements - Essential Equipment
Access to Internet; Students must complete Child Protection Awareness Training prior to commencing field visits.