Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies

Course code: 3708 ~ Course abbreviation: BECStudies ~ Total credit points required: 144 ~ 3 years equivalent full-time (2 years RPL taking the place of the first year of study); up to 6 years part-time ~ Managing faculty: Education

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Peninsula)

Off-shore (Singapore)

Course description

This course is designed to meet the need for a bachelors-level early childhood degree, intended for students who have completed an Diploma of Community Services (Children's Services) or an equivalent and who wish to develop advanced skills and experience in teaching in early childhood education. It is especially suitable for those wishing to upgrade their qualifications to a teaching degree suitable for prior-to-school settings.

Course objectives

The broad objective of this course is to provide early childhood educators with the additional skills and understandings necessary to teach across a range of early childhood education settings, including kindergarten. Specific course objectives are that students will develop: a deeper understanding of child development, learning theories and early childhood pedagogy; further understandings about early childhood curriculum development in literacy, numeracy, science, technology, music, visual arts and expressive arts; the ability to critically reflect upon contemporary issues in early childhood education, family studies, and research; an appreciation of the cultural contexts of early childhood settings and the diversity of children and families who experience these contexts; and a broad foundation of professional practice, to undertake effectively the role of early childhood educator.

Course structure

To be eligible for the award of the three-year Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies degree, a candidate must complete units totalling 144 points (students will normally be admitted to the course with at least 48 points of advanced standing).

Course requirements

The course consists of 16 units, which are linked with four professional experience rounds arranged throughout the course. Students will be in schools for a total of up to 81 days fieldwork. Candidates must satisfactorily complete each of the 16 units of study and receive a satisfactory teaching assessment to be eligible for the award.

All students entering the course will be given a minimum of one-year advanced standing based on their having completed studies in early childhood education/children's services. Students with extensive work experience in the field will be able to submit a recognition of prior learning (RPL) portfolio and receive credit for up to an additional four units (ie 24 points).

All students must complete a minimum of 48 points of study as an enrolled student (ie maximum credit available is 96 points).

First year

Credit for prior studies equivalent to 48 points.

Second and third year

EDF1503 Foundations in early childhood education* (10 days fieldwork)
EDF1513 Music in early childhood
EDF1514 Visual arts in early childhood
EDF2202 Child development 2
EDF2507 Early childhood teaching studies 1* (three-to-five days fieldwork)
EDF3501 Early childhood literacy
EDF3502 Contexts and issues in family studies
EDF3504 Early childhood expressive arts
EDF3508 Early childhood teaching studies 4* (20 days fieldwork)
EDF4201 Child development 4: children with additional educational needs
EDF4303 Teacher as a researcher
EDF4501 Early childhood maths, science and technology
EDF4502 The early childhood professional
EDF4504 Contemporary issues in early childhood
EDF4507 Early childhood teaching studies 5* (33 days fieldwork)
EDF4508 Early childhood teaching studies 6* (15 days fieldwork)

* Applicants with significant work history in the field would be eligible to apply for up to a further six months of advanced standing based on recognition of prior learning (RPL) for this experience and would not be required to complete these units.

Fieldwork

Students must complete teaching practice which consists of a minimum of 80 days of satisfactory supervised school experience. Students who are employed in schools must complete a minimum of 40 days of supervised fieldwork in a setting other than the school in which they are employed. Students must be available to undertake fieldwork placements full time.

Professional recognition

On completion of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies, graduates will be eligible for appointment as kindergarten teachers in pre-schools or childcare centres in Victoria. For interstate and overseas positions, applicants are advised to check with local authorities.

Contact details

Telephone +61 3 9904 4291, email undergraduate.peninsula@education.monash.edu.au or visit http://www.education.monash.edu.au.

Course adviser

Dr Mindy Blaise