Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Course

This course is designed to communicate both theoretical and practical knowledge in the area of early childhood education and teaching. Students should form a broad conceptual understanding of the field of education with an emphasis on the underpinning theories pertinent to best practice in early childhood teaching and the development of a strong understanding of the theories of child development. The course will also emphasise the range of early childhood services and the social context of early childhood provision, as well as the need for flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of families and young children. In particular, the course will address the relationship between service provision and the families of young children. Graduates will be encouraged to develop flexible strategies to accommodate these needs and to recognise the importance of lifelong learning as a necessary component of their professional development. The course will also develop an understanding of the ethical requirements of early childhood teachers and the practical application of these requirements.

The broad objective of this course is to develop in students the necessary skills in teaching relevant to the provision of educational programs for children aged 0 - 5 years. This will include:

• a consolidation of their theoretical knowledge of curriculum, child development and the history and philosophy of early childhood services
• development of a high level of competence in implementing sound professional practice in early childhood settings
• an understanding of the social and political context of early childhood education services
• self-direction and independence in implementing ethical and professional practice as beginning teachers in early childhood education
• responsiveness to the needs of young children and their families, in a flexible and innovative fashion, within the context of an appreciation of the importance of lifelong learning.

In order to satisfy the conditions of employment established by Early Childhood Australia Inc. (Victorian Branch), students with approved degrees who enrol in fields other than primary education will be required to complete an additional 15 days of mandatory field experience. Such students will therefore complete 70 days of field experience placement rather than the base level of 55 days of placement. Students must be available to undertake their fieldwork placement on a full-time basis. While some placements may be completed at a site at which the student is employed, the remainder of the placement will need to be undertaken at a site(s) other than that at which they are employed.

Graduates are 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.

The course comprises eight compulsory units and fieldwork placements.

Students complete:

• EDF5409 Play and pedagogy
• EDF5410 Curriculum studies: Early childhood (five days placement)
• EDF5411 Social, political and professional contexts of early childhood teaching (five days placement)
• EDF5412 Field experience (thirty days placement)
• EDF5413 Family studies (five days placement)
• EDF5414 Child development principles (ten days placement)
• EDF5415 Issues in child development
• EDF5416 Perspectives of early childhood education

NOTE: Unit availability may change. Students should consult http://www.education.monash.edu.au/students/current/timetables and talk with their course adviser to assist in planning their program.

Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood)