Undergraduate handbook 2004
Education

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

Course code: 1515 + Course abbreviation: BECEd + Peninsula + Contact: Ms Marie Hammer (telephone (03) 9904 4291 for initial inquiries)

This course is designed to provide students with a program of studies and experiences which should enable them to:

• develop knowledge of, and critically reflect on, the theoretical foundations of human development and of education, especially those relevant to early childhood education
• relate their own views and experiences in education, family and society to those of others and critically reflect on these
• appreciate the implications the family, social, cultural and political contexts have for children's development and learning, and how they impact on early childhood services
• understand the professional role of the early childhood educator in a diverse and complex society which is undergoing rapid and continuous social and technological change
• develop skills that will allow them to instigate and respond to change and to advocate effectively for young children, families and the early childhood profession
• demonstrate competence in general care, appropriate curriculum planning and teaching skills, as well as administration and management across a range of children's services
• develop effective communication and interpersonal skills
• have the skills and attitudes that foster a positive view of continued personal and professional development.

Opportunities also exist for further study.

Professional recognition

On completion of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, graduates may seek employment in preschools, childcare centres, primary schools, and other children's services and specialist early childhood settings in Victoria. For interstate and overseas positions, applicants are advised to check with local authorities.

Admission requirements

Applicants must have satisfactorily completed the VCE or its equivalent including: units 1 and 2 - two units of mathematics (any); units 3 and 4 - a study score of at least 25 in English (any).

Pathways from TAFE

Students who have completed a Diploma of Community Services (Children's Services) (or equivalent) and have achieved an average of at least distinction level across all units studied may be considered for admission to the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, with credit for up to one year's study.

Course structure

The degree consists of two groups of studies:

• teaching and curriculum studies, including teaching practica, totalling 120 points
• education studies, concerned with major issues in education, especially early childhood education, totalling 72 points.

Course outline

First year

• EDF1201 Computer essentials
• EDF1203 Curriculum studies: primary English 1
• EDF1204 Curriculum studies: primary mathematics 1
• EDF1301 Perspectives on learning
• EDF1302 Perspectives on teaching
• EDF1503 Foundations of early childhood
• EDF1513 Early childhood music
• EDF1514 Visual arts in early childhood

Second year

• EDF2201 Child development 1
• EDF2202 Child development 2
• EDF2203 Curriculum studies: primary studies of society and environment
• EDF2204 Curriculum studies: primary science
• EDF2501 Child development 3: child, health and safety
• EDF2507 Early childhood teaching studies 1
• EDF2508 Early childhood teaching studies 2
• EDF3202 Curriculum studies: primary health and PE

Third year

• EDF3201 Curriculum studies: primary art and music
• EDF3203 Curriculum studies: primary technology
• EDF3501 Early childhood literacy and studies of society
• EDF3502 Australian family studies
• EDF3504 Early childhood expressive arts
• EDF3506 Cultural studies (early childhood)
• EDF3507 Early childhood teaching studies 3
• EDF3508 Early childhood teaching studies 4

Fourth year

• EDF4201 Child development 4: exceptional children
• EDF4303 The teacher as a researcher
• EDF4501 Early childhood maths, science and technology
• EDF4502 The early childhood professional
• EDF4504 Contemporary issues in early childhood
• EDF4506 Administration and management
• EDF4507 Early childhood teaching studies 5
• EDF4508 Early childhood teaching studies 6

This is a conceptual outline only. It gives a general indication of how the course will progress. It is subject to change without notice.

Course length/workload required

This course consists of four years of full-time study taken on-campus. The expected number of hours per week for a full-time student is 48.

Further information

For further information regarding this course, contact the Faculty of Education, Peninsula campus, telephone (03) 9904 4291, visit http://www.education.monash.edu.au or email info@education.monash.edu.au.

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