This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2016 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

EDF5025 - Early childhood policy transformations

6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

Postgraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Education

Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Linda Henderson

Offered

Clayton

Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit focuses on the world of policy making in early childhood within local and international contexts. Specific attention is given to the conceptualisation of policy actors, debates about inclusivity, and the newly emerging discourse in policy documents of children as rights holders. Students critically analyse broader policy frameworks in which key trends, for example, Indigeneity, labour market issues, the changing profile of families and formal education systems, are reflected in changes made to early childhood policies. Students develop understanding of a range of contemporary policies in early years education within Australian and international contexts and identify the ways these influence aspects of their professional practice.

Outcomes

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

understand the ways in which policy directions reflect key trends shaping society in Australia and globally
understand, design and implement relevant curriculum frameworks and pedagogies which reflect early childhood policy directions and initiatives and respond to children in Australian and international contexts
develop teaching and learning strategies that widen participation and inclusion of children to enhance their individual and social prospects
articulate and demonstrate their professional values and commitment to education as a means to secure social justice and sustainable futures for children.

Assessment

Policy analysis (2000 words, 50%)
Reflective practice and position paper (2000 words, 50%)

Workload requirements

Minimum total expected workload equals 144 hours per semester comprising:

(a.) Contact hours for on-campus students:

equivalent to 24 hours engagement in online, face-to-face or blended platforms

(b.) Additional requirements (all students)

independent study to make up the minimum required hours per semester

Chief examiner(s)

Professor Sue Grieshaber

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Early years education
Early years and primary education