Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit will focus on the broader environments in which early childhood teachers work, and the ways that these environments affect their work. It will include an examination of policies and legislation including education policies, family policies, and industrial policies. Also included will be the dimensions of the roles including leadership, management and administration, advocacy and lifelong professional development. Ethical and professional issues will be considered. Five days of observation will be integral to this unit.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

• summarise the history of the development of the early childhood profession in Australia;
• describe major policies affecting the operation of early childhood services in Australia and the ways they impact on the work of early childhood teachers;
• identify key issues facing the profession currently;
• discuss the Australian Early Childhood Association's Code of Ethics and use it to inform resolution of ethical dilemmas;
• operate as effective, managers and/or team members in early childhood settings;
• include effective communication with colleagues, parents, professionals from other disciplines, and people in the broader community about children and early childhood services;
• advocate effectively in a variety of ways for children, the profession and children's services while appreciating the dimensions of operating as an effective early childhood professional; and
• understand the role of quality assurance systems and characteristics of effective systems.

Assessment

Task 1: Service Mapping (2000 words): 50%
Task 2: Research Paper (2000 words): 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Ms Marie Hammer

Contact hours

2 hours per week