Undergraduate, Postgraduate - UnitEDF4323 - Leadership and management in early childhood education

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

Synopsis

This unit will examine the contexts for professional life as well as the identities, roles, and responsibilities of a contemporary early childhood professional. It will address the broader dimensions of being a contemporary early childhood professional including service management, professional leadership, research, advocacy, professional ethics, networking, career development and working effectively in the broader community. The notions of the 'learned professional' and the 'ethics of care', which require commitments to ethical relationships, pedagogical knowledge, critical thinking and intellectual engagement will underpin the way the unit is conceptualised. Consideration will be given to topics related to human and material resources management, service development and marketing.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have:

1. an appreciation of, and the ability to respond to, the complex roles and responsibilities which are integral to the life and identities of an early childhood professional
2. an understanding of the importance of mandated requirements and the range of issues related to the effective management and administration of Early Childhood services.
3. an understanding of the ethical dilemmas and commitments inherent in early childhood education
4. an awareness of the professional networks, resources, and agencies which are available to support the work of early childhood professionals
5. the skills required to work effectively in partnership with team members, parents and other professionals in the field.

Fieldwork

Nil

Assessment

Assignment 1: Project report (2400 words): 60%
This will be a research project related to a current issue in the early childhood field and the role of the early childhood professional as an advocate, leader within that context.
Assignment 2: Service Report (1600 words): 40%
This will be a report related to an area of management of an early childhood service and will replicate an activity that can reasonably be expected of a manager of an early childhood service.

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Denise Chapman

Contact hours

Equivalent to 3 contact hours (max) per week, 9 hours private study including readings, completion of set tasks and self-directed learning.

Prohibitions

EDF4502, EDF4506