Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have gained knowledge and understanding of the range of early childhood services in Australia; the organisation, routines, activities and equipment used in early childhood centres; the theories and importance of play for young children's learning; the teacher's role in early childhood services as an observer, planner, resourcer, teacher, facilitator and evaluator. Students should demonstrate the skills of beginning teachers/professionals: working with the teaching team, supervising and teaching small groups of children, taking initiative and showing enjoyment in their teaching.
Synopsis This subject will familiarise students with the roles, responsibilities and teaching strategies of the early childhood educator as well as providing an overview of the development of early childhood services in Australia. The ways in which play in its various forms contributes to young children's development will be explored. This subject consists of both a two-hour theory program and associated field experience program.
Assessment Class test: 40% + Examination: 60% + Hurdle: Satisfactory standard in fieldwork placement